Yeast Cryptography
A Budding New Way to Keep Your Dough
Author(s)
Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
University of California, Irvine
bsato@uci.edu
Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
University of California, Irvine
Abstract
This "clicker case" focuses on the use of molecular biology concepts and techniques to protect the property of a fictional bread company. Students will address questions as to how one can "mark" a yeast strain by embedding a particular DNA sequence into its genome and then examine the claims of a competing company that is allegedly using its own bread-making yeast to create a similar product. The focus of the case is on the experimental steps required to construct the desired yeast strain and then later extract a hidden genomic message. While the class is guided through the process, students will also have opportunities to independently design their own experiments, discuss the merits of different experimental strategies, and analyze data. The case is intended to generate active discussion between students and their instructor and to illustrate the real-world implications of molecular biology in today's society.
Objectives
- Describe the steps necessary to insert exogenous DNA into the yeast genome.
- Explain the impact of blunt versus sticky end restriction digests on the cloning procedure.
- Design a transformation experiment with the appropriate selection marker and selective media.
- Define a negative control.
- Describe how Sanger sequencing works and be able to translate sequencing data into a specific DNA sequence.
Keywords
Yeast; marker; DNA; cloning; transformation; data analysis; restriction endonucleases; encryption; patent; Saccharomyces; GFP tagging; breadTopical Areas
Legal issues, Scientific methodEducational Level
Undergraduate lower division, Undergraduate upper divisionFormat
PDF, PowerPointType / Methods
Analysis (Issues), Clicker, DiscussionLanguage
EnglishSubject Headings
Molecular Biology | Microbiology | Cell Biology | Biology (General) | Food Science / Technology |
Date Posted
9/18/2018Teaching Notes
Case teaching notes are password-protected and access to them is limited to paid subscribed instructors. To become a paid subscriber, begin the process by registering.
Teaching notes are intended to help teachers select and adopt a case. They typically include a summary of the case, teaching objectives, information about the intended audience, details about how the case may be taught, and a list of references and resources.
Answer Key
Answer keys for the cases in our collection are password-protected and access to them is limited to paid subscribed instructors. To become a paid subscriber, begin the process by registering.