Development of a green fluorescent protein-based laboratory curriculum

A laboratory curriculum has been designed for an undergraduate biochemistry course that focuses on the investigation of the green fluorescent protein ( GFP). The sequence of procedures extends from analysis of the DNA sequence through PCR amplification, recombinant plasmid DNA synthesis, bacterial transformation, expression, isolation, and characterization of the protein by SDS- PAGE. A survey of participants found that the majority of them were performing most of these procedures for the first time and that participants found the exercises enjoyable and considered them a significant aid to their understanding of biochemistry, cell biology, and molecular genetics.