Modifications to Molecular Biology Lab BCH 406: Expressing violacein in E.coli using Gateway Cloning

Abstract

Biochemistry 406, a molecular biology lab, is a course offered at the University of Nevada, Reno that involves manipulating DNA, RNA, and proteins. Molecular biology is an evolving field; therefore, in order to create a relevant lab course for students, classroom lab modules must be updated. A modern molecular biology lab course can be created by adding and modifying to the current BCH 406 course. The current lab that involved cloning of Chromobacterium violaceum genes into E. coli has been modified to include a cloning technique known as Gateway cloning, which offers a new more efficient cloning tool. Gateway cloning gives students the ability to insert more DNA into the E. coli with more efficiency then previous methods in the course. This lab module engages students in relevant science techniques preparing them for science careers.