Increased learning observed in redesigned introductory biology course that employed web-enhanced, interactive pedagogy.

Our Introduction to Biology course (BIOL 1010) changed in 2004 from a standard instructor-centered, lecture-homework-exam format to a student-centered format that used Web-enhanced, interactive pedagogy. To measure and compare conceptual learning gains in the traditional course in fall 2003 with a section of the interactive course in fall 2004, we created concept inventories for both evolution and ecology. Both classes were taught by the same instructor who had taught BIOL 1010 since 1976, and each had a similar student composition with comparable biological knowledge.

INSULT: a novel mutagenesis method generating high yields of closed circular mutant DNA with one primer per mutant.

INSULT, a novel method for the creation of insertions, deletions, and point mutations without subcloning, requires only one new primer per mutant, and produces circular plasmids, obviating the need for special "ultracompetent" cells. The method includes cycles of linear amplification with a thermophilic polymerase, and nick repair after each cycle with a thermophilic ligase. After production of multiple single-stranded copies of circular mutation-bearing plasmid DNA, addition of a "generic" primer followed by one or more polymerase reaction cycles generates double-stranded circular DNA bearing the desired mutation.

Founder Cell Differentiation and Acrasin Production in an Aggregateless Mutant of Polyspondylium violaceum: (aggregation/D factor/founder cell/glorin/Polysphondylium violaceum).

A specific class of aggregation-deficient mutants, aggA, of Polyshondylium violaceum are unable to aggregate unless supplied exogenously with a stimulating factor called D factor. The present study examines the effect of D factor on the induction of founder cells and on the production of the chemoattractant of aggregation, N-propionyl-γ-L-glutamyl-L-ornithine-δ-lactam ethyl ester (or glorin). Founder cells initiate aggregate formation and are morphologically distinct from the majority of the amoebae.