Chapter 4 Project: Research a Gene
Figure 0.1: Logos from several biological databases
Overview
Purpose
In this project, students will search the same online databases used by scientists to collect information about a set of genes and present them to your group. This will give you an opportunity to engage in inquiry-based learning and apply the concepts in molecular biology and genetics from this course.
Activity 1 - Research a Gene!
Estimated time: 45 min
Instructions
- Before getting started on this activity, your instructor will assign your group a letter that corresponds to a group of 4 genes.
| Group Assigned Letter |
|---|
- Look up your letter here and write the names of the four genes your group is assigned at the top of each column in the table below.
- In your group, assign each student one of the four genes to research.
| Individual Assigned Gene |
|---|
- Use FlyBase to look up the information in Table 2 below.
- Use HPA to look up the information in Table 3 below.
Table 2. FlyBase Information
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| General Information | |
| Full Gene Name | |
| FlyBase ID | |
| Sequence Location | |
| Function | |
| Biological Process | |
| Cellular Component | |
| Expression Data | |
| Anatomical Expression | |
| Developmental Stage | |
| Orthologs | |
| Orthologs in other species | |
| Human Orthologs |
Table 3. Human Protein Atlas
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Function | |
| Is the gene tissue specific? Which tissue? | |
| Where is it localized in cells? |
Activity 3 - Class Presentation
Estimated time: 30 min
Instructions
- With your group, create a short presentation about your chosen gene for the class.
- Your presentation should have about four slides and be thorough:
- Slide 1: The GENE you picked to share with your group, your name and date
- Slide 2 - 4: Present the information you collected about the gene. For full credit, include relevant images/diagrams on your slides.
- One student in the group should submit your slides. Make sure you mention everyone in your group by name so they also get credit for the presentation.