Handout
Bitter Taste Receptor Genotype/Phenotype Lab: A modular project sequence for lecture or lab
Advanced Molecular Biology; Biochemistry
(2016)
Description
Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in DNA can result in phenotypes where the biochemical basis may not be clear due to the lack of protein structures. With the growing number of modeling and simulation software available on the internet, students can now participate in determining how small changes in genetic information impact cellular protein structure and function. We have developed a modular series of activities to engage lab or lecture students in examining the basis for common phenotypes. The activities range from basic phenotype testing/observation to DNA sequencing and simulation of protein structure and dynamics. We provide as an example study of the bitterness receptor TAS2R38 and PTC tasting, however these activities are applicable to other SNPs or genomic variants with a direct connection to an observable phenotype. These activities are modular and can be mixed to meet the student capabilities and infrastructure availability. The complete sequence of activities will demonstrate the direct connection between gene structure, protein structure and organism function.
Disciplines
Publication Date
June, 2016
Citation Information
Raymond A Enke. "Bitter Taste Receptor Genotype/Phenotype Lab: A modular project sequence for lecture or lab" Advanced Molecular Biology; Biochemistry (2016) Available at: http://works.bepress.com/raymond_enke/65/