Investigation of the properties of wild type and mutant alkaline phosphatase variants: A laboratory project linking genotype and phenotype

Abstract

An understanding of the link between genotype and phenotype is essential for biology students. A 3-wk laboratory project aimed at demonstrating this link and introducing early year students to some aspects of the research process is described. Students investigate the properties of wild type and mutant variants of alkaline phosphatase using the techniques of both biochemistry and molecular biology. Changes in enzyme activity are correlated with the changes in DNA sequence that introduce restriction enzyme sites. Mutants are also used to analyze the regulation of phoA gene expression. The application of different techniques to the same experimental system helps students to integrate information from different parts of the course. © 2007 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.