Li Ming, Shen Xiaodong, Zhao Yan, Hu Xiaomei, Hu Fuquan, Rao Xiancai
Department of Microbiology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.
Biochem Mol Biol Educ. 2017 Jul 8;45(4):329-335. doi: 10.1002/bmb.21043. Epub 2017 Mar 17.
Homologous recombination, a central concept in biology, is defined as the exchange of DNA strands between two similar or identical nucleotide sequences. Unfortunately, undergraduate students majoring in biotechnology often experience difficulties in understanding the molecular basis of homologous recombination. In this study, we developed and implemented a 12-week laboratory course for biotechnology undergraduates in which gene targeting in Streptococcus suis was used to facilitate their understanding of the basic concept and process of homologous recombination. Students worked in teams of two to select a gene of interest to create a knockout mutant using methods that relied on homologous recombination. By integrating abstract knowledge and practice in the process of scientific research, students gained hands-on experience in molecular biology techniques while learning about the principle and process of homologous recombination. The learning outcomes and survey-based assessment demonstrated that students substantially enhanced their understanding of how homologous recombination could be used to study gene function. Overall, the course was very effective for helping biotechnology undergraduates learn the theory and application of homologous recombination, while also yielding positive effects in developing confidence and scientific skills for future work in research. © 2017 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 45(4):329-335, 2017.
同源重组是生物学中的一个核心概念，被定义为两个相似或相同核苷酸序列之间的DNA链交换。不幸的是，生物技术专业的本科生在理解同源重组的分子基础方面常常遇到困难。在本研究中，我们为生物技术专业的本科生开发并实施了一门为期12周的实验课程，其中利用猪链球菌中的基因靶向技术来帮助他们理解同源重组的基本概念和过程。学生两人一组开展工作，选择一个感兴趣的基因，使用依赖同源重组的方法创建一个基因敲除突变体。通过在科研过程中整合抽象知识与实践，学生在学习同源重组的原理和过程的同时，获得了分子生物学技术的实践经验。学习成果和基于调查的评估表明，学生对如何利用同源重组来研究基因功能有了显著增强的理解。总体而言，该课程对于帮助生物技术专业的本科生学习同源重组的理论和应用非常有效，同时在培养他们未来从事研究工作的信心和科学技能方面也产生了积极影响。© 2017年，国际生物化学与分子生物学联盟，45(4):329 - 335，2017。
