Davidson College
Davdison College has experimented with different uses for DNA microarrays.
Modeling and Calculus for Life Scientists
- We have developed protocols for comparative genome hybridization (CGH).
CGH means you isolate total genomic DNA from two strains, label them different colors, and hybridize them to a normal yeast (that's what we use) DNA microarray. If the yeast has experience aneuploidy, then the genes that are duplicated or deleted will display green or red. Genes that are present at the same level in both strain will appear yellow.
You can access the protocol from the GCAT "CGH" web page.
Whole yeast genome microarray probed with wild-type yeast gDNA for both channels (Cy3 adn Cy5). Protocol and image by Jackie Ryan (2006).
- We have also developed teaching chips that allow any school to print their own chips and do controlled experiments using oligos as probes.
You can use any piece of DNA as the target, but we have found cloned PCR products work especially well. By using PCR products, you can target any gene or cDNA. Ideally, you will want to balance the GC content and size of the PCR products. Furthermore, but cloning the PCR products into a plasmid, you can produce very large quantities of target DNA for very little expense. You can also use empty plasmid as negative control DNA.
For details, visit the GCAT "Do-It-Yourself" web page.
First teaching chip design (2003)
Davidson logo printed in DNA
Designed, printed, probed, and scanned by Mac Cowell, Kristen DeCelle, Matt Gemberling (2006).
