6:	Investigating genes and development in the plant biology curriculum.

Authors:	Campbell, Michael, A.(A)Shaffer, Jennifer, L.(A)Barney,, Paul, E.(A)
Affiliations:	(A): Penn State Erie, The Behrend College
Presenter:	Campbell, Michael A., peb3@psu.edu

Students majoring in biology usually get a good foundation in genetics and biochemistry but many fail to grasp the concept that many genes encode for protein products that regulate and are regulated by developmental events. To address this deficiency we have integrated a number of courses within the biology curriculum at Penn State Erie that result in a research based system that teachs a genetic approach to developmental biology. This system relies on several model systems, including potato as a model plant system. Student investigators isolate and characterize genes from these organisms and these genes are then used to develop undergraduate exercises that examine the association of gene expression with different stages of development. Initial gene isolation experiments are conducted in an undergraduate molecular biology course. The genes isolated are both random clones and genes targeted to specific metabolic enzymes. The isolated and sequenced genes are then made available on a student developed web based database (http://tuber.bd.psu.edu). These genes are used by students in plant development biology class as pedagogical tools for demonstrating the interaction of genes and development. Additional courses in biochemistry and protein structure and function give students the opportunity to examine different aspects of the genes and gene products isolated. With this approach we intend to instill in undergraduate biology majors a sense of the scientific process by giving them ownership and input into the experimental process.