The goal of the project is to clone cDNAs encoding Cytochrome P4501A (CYP1A) enzymes from several local vertebrate species. 

We will use the sequences of the cDNA clones we obtain to: 

• Construct the phylogenetic history of the protein during vertebrate evolution, and 
• Study of effect of environmental contaminants on the expression of their associated mRNAs. 
   

Students will gain extensive experience in many important molecular biology techniques, including (but not limited to):

• Isolation of nucleic acids from animal tissues.
• Amplification of specific DNA sequences using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
• Electrophoresis of nucleic acids.
• Isolation, quantitation, and manipulation of distinct DNA molecules.
• Real-Time RT-PCR: a cutting-edge technique for measuring changes in mRNA expression levels.
• Bioinformatics:  The use of computers and public databases to obtain and analyze DNA and protein sequence information.
• The arts-and-crafts of data presentation.
• Scientific writing.