Hello all:
I have just recently started revising the cell and molecular biology
laboratory course for sophomores at Wake Forest University, and am
considering using Chlamy as one of the study organisms. Mike Adams
suggested that I put my question to the larger community, to see if
someone had already done what I propose.
We would like to have a rapid, inexpensive method (like glass beads)
for inserting native Chlamy genes into mutant strains, that would allow
us to create a readily visible phenotype. One hypothetical setup would
be to re-insert one of the genes required for formation of functional
chloroplasts, either in the nuclear or chloroplast genomes. Then
students could assay their transformed lines the next week for a
functional photosystem. Alternatively, we might look at nitrate or
motility-related genes.
I've talked with Elizabeth Harris, who has made some suggestions
about possible genes to use. My question to the group is whether anyone
has done Chlamy tranformations with undergraduates, if they have any
preferred methods that would work in the undergraduate labs, or any
helpful suggestions for developing this system further.
If you please, post any responses to my e-mail as well as the
group. Our news server is a bit fussy right now. Any helpful advice
I'll gladly pass along. Thanks in advance.
Dan Johnson
Wake Forest University
Winston-Salem, NC
