Development and validation of an undergraduate laboratory activity exploring the dna analysis of pet food.

A novel experiment has been developed with a goal of enhancing engagement and deepening understanding of fundamental molecular biology concepts. In this laboratory activity, students investigate the composition of pet foods through quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis. By conducting this experiment, students address a scientific question that has the potential to be of personal interest and they gain an appreciation of the power of genetic analysis.

Development and validation of a diagnostic test for Ridge allele copy number in Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs.

Background: The breed-defining dorsal ridge in Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs is the result of a 133,000 base pair duplication on chromosome 18. Because this trait is dominant, heterozygous dogs cannot be discriminated from those with two copies of the Ridge allele.

Results: A quantitative PCR test was developed and dogs of known genotype were used as test subjects.

The Dad1 subunit of the yeast kinetochore Dam1 complex is an intrinsically disordered protein.

The Dam1 complex is an important part of the yeast kinetochore. It mediates attachment of the chromosome to the mitotic spindle and is involved in chromatid separation initiated at anaphase. It is comprised of 10 individual subunits and has been observed to oligomerize in various ways as it interacts with microtubules, including forming a ring.