title: RNase one gene isolation, expression, and affinity purification models research experimental progression and culminates with guided inquiry-based experiments.
abstract: This new biochemistry laboratory course moves through a progression of experiments that generates a platform for guided inquiry-based experiments. RNase One gene is isolated from prokaryotic genomic DNA, expressed as a tagged protein, affinity purified, and tested for activity and substrate specificity. Student pairs present detailed explanations of materials and methods and the semester culminates in a poster session. Experimental plans take into account the expense and time required to move from gene isolation to enzyme assays. This combination of instructor-guided and student-designed experiments is a manageable foray into guided inquiry-based learning in a biochemistry laboratory course, while providing a cohesive story and context for individual experiments.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska 68015. cbailey7@unl.edu.
authors.forename: Cheryl P
authors.initials: CP
authors.lastname: Bailey