MolBio_p04_pres_04.pptVIP

Cellular Biology Research Cellular Biology and Molecular Biology are research sciences Important to know essential research techniques Everyone must evaluate new results Can apply molecular tools to any project Read recent research Review basic techniques Experimental Model Systems Most of our knowledge of molecular biology is derived from a surprisingly few model systems Since fundamental processes are conserved, knowledge from model system can be applied generally There are some unique features so must interpret carefully Briefly describe a few of the major models E. coli Bacteria are by far the simplest and most accessible systems Almost everything we know about biochemistry, metabolism, and genetics was described first in E. coli Easy to grow on defined medium Grows quickly (20-60 min doubling time) Relatively small genome (4.7 x 106 bp) About 4000 gene Grows as clone Genetic transfer is convenient Yeast Simplest eukaryotic system ~ 6 ?m diameter Small genome for eukaryote (14 x 106 bp) Genetic system can be manipulated Growth is rapid on defined medium (2 hr doubling time) About 6ooo gene Dictyostelium discoidium Cellular slime mold Simplest system for differentiation and development (70 x 106 bp) Aggregates into multicellular organism when food is limited Great for studying cell motility (amoeba) C. elegans Multicellular Nematode Most complete system for differentiation and development ~100 x 106 bp 19,000 genes; ? the number of genes as humans Embryonic origin and lineage of every cell is known 959 somatic cells 1000-2000 germ cells Drosophila melanogaster Excellent genetic model, also good for development Genome size similar to C. elegans (165 x 106 bp) 14,000 genes Short generation time (2 weeks) Arabidopsis thaliana Model system for plant molecular biology (70 x 106 bp) 15,000 genes Important for agricultural development Easy to grow in lab Genetic system is well known Vertebrate Systems Ultimately wish to understand humans Two ways to approach human mol