Bio 233 Unknown Sequence Independent Study (2-3 weeks)

For the next three weeks we will characterize totally new, unknown sequences from the freeliving ciliate Tetrahymena thermophila. I have prescreened these just a bit to improve the chance that we will find something exciting, but you are probably the first human to ever look carefully at these ~4 billion year old sequences from the tetrahymena genome so it is difficulty to know what we will find for sure. That is part of the fun.

1) You and your partner will be given an unknown sequence

2) You will use the bioinformatic tools to characterize it, as you work to understand

The Gene and Protein sequence

The domains and structure of this protein

The role of related sequences in the broader biological context

Logistics:

For the final day of lab, you will turn in a 2-4 page synopsis of your findings with figures and references, where appropriate. This paper should discuss your findings, about what if anything you think this gene might be doing in T. themophila and the first experiments you would undertake to test that this hypothesis. Save (to disk) and record (your lab book) your findings as you go along, taking careful notes about each comparison or search made. All important output data should be organized and placed on the shared class hard drive when you hand in this synopsis. These materials are an important part of your work.