Experimental molecular biology of eukaryotes

• Perform classic molecular biology/genetics experiments.
• Describe DNA maintenance as well as chromosome segregation in eukaryotic cells. This includes using fundamental molecular genetic terms.
• Handle yeasts and/or filamentous fungi.
• Plan and coordinate several experiments simultaneously.
• Construct new strains by gene targeting and/or CRISPR gene editing.
• Change a eukaryotic genome by introducing point mutations, deletions, GFP tags or other genomic modifications.
• Perform calculations based on the results derived from the various experiments performed.
• Analyze and interpret experimental results obtained from the various experiments performed in the course.
• Present and explain experimental results obtained during the course for an audience.

Yeasts and molds are often used as model organisms in basic research and as cell factories in industrial processes. This laboratory course focuses on construction of yeast and filamentous fungal strains using genetic engineering. This involves classical genetic and molecular biology based methods as well as modern CRISPR technology. In the course, students work in small teams, each aiming at developing their own strain or set of strains. The typical task is to delete or insert specific genes in order to make strains that allow a specific biological question to be addressed. The individual projects therefore constitute a miniature research project. Hence, based on a specific scientific question new strains will be constructed. Subsequent characterization of the strains will then address the initial question asked. The projects will typically involve baker’s yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a filamentous fungus like Aspergillus niger. The genetic modifications will be implemented by using a state of the art genetic tool box containing “bio blocks” like promoters, reporter genes, terminators, The course will finish with small presentations, where student teams present their biological question, the experimental strategy, as well as their results in a session including the entire class. The performance in the course, including the presentations, will then be evaluated as pass/not pass.

27230/27430

Laboratory exercises.

This course is recommended after course 27230 and 27430.

Maximum: 28.

Please be aware that this course has a limited number of seats available. If there are too many applicants, a pool will be created for the remainder of the qualified applicants, and they will be selected at random. You will be informed 8 days before the start of the course, whether you have been allocated a spot.