DNA SCIENCE CHALLENGE
Congratulations! Your lab team has just received a huge grant to study a newly
discovered human gene. This gene, and resulting gene product, is believed to be an
integral component of the respiratory tree epithelial cell defense system. It has been
hypothesized that the gene product is essential to the structural integrity and action of the
cilia which line parts of the respiratory tree.
You have been sent a miniscule amount of the purified gene with flanking
sequences. This large gene (depicted below) has 5 introns and six exons. The sequences
of each end of the gene (about twenty base pairs) have been identified.
Realizing that the size of the grant permits numerous avenues of investigation, you have
established a number of potential projects.
A) It is obvious to you that much greater quantities of this gene will be required to
complete your studies. Describe a detailed course of action to rectify this problem.
B) It is also obvious that more must be determined regarding the structure of the gene,
especially in light of future investigative techniques which you may wish to employ.
Describe a useful course of action in detail.
In addition to the gene, you have also received samples of both normal and
genetically (in theory) diseased ciliated epithelium cells. You have a capacity, though
somewhat limited, to culture the cells.
C) Recognizing the possible benefits of mass producing the gene product, you decide to
employ bacteria as a means of generating huge, pure amounts of the protein. Describe in
detail the steps of your bold biotech venture.
D) You now wish to investigate the ciliary function hypothesis. Describe experiments
which may shed light on the physical location of the gene product in vivo, as well as the
possible function.