Skip to content
Search
Close this search box.
Genomics Education Partnership logo
Contact Us
Genomics Education Partnership logo
Contact Us
Home » C4 » Page 5

C4

Plant Genes Annotation and Analysis

This is a series of three 3-hour exercises that guide students on the DNA Subway, an online workspace that integrates tools for genomic analysis in a student and educator-friendly environment. Exercise 1 was developed by Dr. Judy Brusslan (California State University, Long Beach). The Exercise I and II PowerPoints and Exercise II were developed by Dr. James Youngblom (California State University Stanislaus). The “Prospecting for Green Revolution Genes” presentation and Exercise III were developed by Dr. Nicholas Ewing (California State University, Sacramento) based on materials initially developed by members of the iPlant Collaborative.

Finding Genes in a New Fly Genome

This exercise was developed by Dr. Anya Goodman (California Polytechnic State University) and Dr. James Youngblom (California State University, Stanislaus). This exercise engages students in annotating genomic DNA from less famous species of Drosophila while teaching basic bioinformatics skills.

A Simple Annotation Exercise

Dr. Justin R. DiAngelo (Penn State Berks) has developed an exercise that takes students through a series of steps to annotate a gene in a Drosophila biarmipes contig. Students will construct a gene model using gene predictions, BLASTX searches, and the GEP UCSC Genome Browser mirror. Students will then verify their final gene model using the Gene Model Checker.

Genomic Annotation Lab Exercise

Dr. Marian Kaehler (Luther College), in collaboration with Jacob Jibb, has written an annotation lab. This lab will ask students to annotate a gene from the D. erecta genome.

Detecting and Interpreting Genetic Homology

An introductory exercise using BLAST to annotate a region in the Drosophila melanogaster genome. Students can use this exercise to gain familiarity with performing BLAST searches and interpreting BLAST output. An answer key is provided for instructors.

Bioinformatics Tools Tutorial Project – KRas

This lab is an updated, stand-alone version of the bioinformatics exercise originally developed for Bio 3055 at Washington University. This exercise introduces students to the genetic basis of disease using the KRas protein.

Investigating Gene Flow in Grasshopper Populations

Students use grasshoppers collected from glades in the Missouri Ozarks to generate and analyze sequence data to determine if the grasshopper populations are becoming fragmented due to the suppression of forest fires. Sequence data are provided here so students who do not have access to grasshoppers can still perform the sequence analysis portion of the lab.

Introduction to the Complete GEP Gene Annotation Process

Developed by Dr. Ken Saville (Albion College) and Dr. Gerard McNeil (York College, City University of New York), this walkthrough provides a comprehensive overview of the entire GEP gene annotation process. This walkthrough includes a brief description of the research problem and step-by-step instructions on how to use the UCSC Genome Browser, FlyBase, the Gene Record Finder and NCBI BLAST to investigate a feature in a Drosophila erecta Muller F element annotation project. The walkthrough then shows how students can use the Gene Model Checker to verify a gene model; it also includes a sample GEP Annotation Report.

Using BLAST and ExPASy for Genetic and Protein Analysis of H1N1 Variability

Ms. Julie Ertmann (University City High School, MO) has designed a standalone activity using BLAST for AP or second year high school biology students. This exercise uses BLAST and ExPASy for genetic and protein analysis of H1N1 variability, including mutations that confer resistance to antiviral medications. Development of this exercise was supported by an NSF Mathematics and Science Partnership grant #06344780, to B Schaal, Washington University in St. Louis. If you have questions about this activity, please email the author at: jertmann@ucityschools.org.