Seminar course on Biology: Basic Genetics

In this seminar, we will first examine “genetic literacy” in today’s society through group discussions. After confirming fundamental terms and concepts, we will then discuss the relationship between genes and “characteristics of living things,” using mold (filamentous fungi) and Escherichia coli as materials. Finally, we will debate genetic literacy again and confirm and summarize what we learned through this seminar.

gene, genomic editing, prenatal diagnosis, heritability, crossing experiment, Mendel, group work

1. Orientation
2. Group discussion (1): Social issues related to genetics (1)
3. Group discussion (2): Mendel’s genetics; life cycle of Aspergillus (eucaryotic fungus)
Crossing experiment (1): Inoculation of preserved strains
4. * Device handling (1): Micropipettes, etc.
Crossing experiment (2): Initiation of cocultivation
5. Device handling (2): Stereoscopic microscope
Crossing experiment (3): Transplantation of fused hyphae
6. Group discussion (3): Life cycle and heredity of Aspergillus (eucaryotic fungus)
7. * Crossing experiment (4): Segregation of sexual spores
8. Crossing experiment (5): Testing the segregation ratio in later generations
9. Crossing experiment (6): Testing auxotrophy
10. Crossing experiment (7): Statistical analysis of segregation ratios (Report (1))
11. Group discussion (4): Central dogma and gene expression; the operation of enzymes
12. * Transformation of colon bacilli (1): Introduction of DNA
13. Transformation of colon bacilli (2): Observation of transformant (Report (2))
14. Group discussion (5): Social issues related to genetics (2)
15. General summary (time adjustment); class questionnaire

* Even the fastest group may not finish within class time.
• The above plan is subject to change depending on the availability of materials. etc. In that case, this will be indicated in the orientation materials uploaded onto eALPS before the course starts.

Syllabus (Japanese site only)