Studying Gene Expression with the "Gene Gun"
Maureen Hanson

(This Program requires you to attend two sessions in order to receive credit)

Cornell scientists invented a particle bombardment device termed the "gene gun" for introducing small metal particles coated with DNA into tissues and cells. This technique is widely used for introducing genes into fungi and plants. First, recombinant DNA methods are used to create a chimeric gene consisting of plant gene regulatory signals and a DNA sequence that encodes a protein or enzyme that can be easily assayed or confers a new trait on the cells. By bombarding different types of plant cells and tissues with the artificial gene and assaying for the encoded protein, information can be gained about DNA sequences that control gene expression.

In this exploration, students will be provided with DNA and plant tissues and instruction in operation of the gene gun. Tissue will be bombarded with DNA the first day. Students will use DNA that expresses a protein that can be detected either by staining or fluorescence observation in a microscope. Two days later, after sufficient gene expression has occurred, students will return to observe whether their cells are expressing the DNA they bombarded.