Jackie's research, under the guidance of Dr. Matthew Fountain, involves isolating
the HrcA gene from the bacteria B. subtillus. The gene is amplified using PCR
(polymerase chain reaction), then is inserted into a TOPO plasmid for further
amplification. The gene for HrcA will be incorporated into an expression vector to
produce large quantities of the HrcA protein for in vitro and in vivo HrcA-DNA binding
studies.
Jackie says, "I am learning molecular biology techniques that will help me
in grad school. For example, PCR, gel electrophoresis, using restriction enzymes,
TOPO, and the actual science behind gene translation and its role in heat shock response."
|
