The following project labs are offered in the department:

7.13 Experimental Microbial Genetics
This lab works with molecular genetics to examine how Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria can be used in novel and relevant bioconversion processes--for example, to synthesize precursors to the drug Crixivan, a potent inhibitor of HIV replication, or to synthesize metabolites as food supplements. Students engage in independent research projects to address unanswered questions relating to these processes. Techniques used include plasmid manipulation, genetic complementation, mutagenesis, PCR, and DNA sequencing, enzyme assays, and gene expression studies.
A. J. Sinskey, P. Lessard

7.16 Experimental Molecular Biology: Biotechnology II
NOTE: not offered spring 2008
This laboratory uses yeast as an experimental system to study fundamental problems in understanding cell cycle and chromosome segregation. The experimental work combines genetic approaches with the tools of molecular and cell biology to identify and characterize novel genes that act on these processes.
C. Burge, D. Sabatini

7.17 Experimental Molecular Biology: Biotechnology III
This is a Cell and Molecular biology lab class that uses recombinant DNA methods and optical microcopy to study cellular mechanisms in eukaryotic cells. The projects focus on mechanisms of intracellular protein translocation and cytoskeletal rearrangement. Students explore the recombinant fluorescent proteins using imaging techniques and describe the effects of the expressed protein on cell motility, the cell cycle, or the organization and function of cytoplasmic organelles and the cytoskeleton.
M. L. Pardue, F. Gertler

7.18 Topics in Experimental Biology
Students carry out independent experimental study under the direction of a Biology Department faculty member. This subject allows students with a strong interest in independent research to fulfill the project laboratory requirement for the Biology Department Program in the context of a research laboratory at MIT. Written and oral presentation of the research results is required. The permission of the faculty supervisor and the Biology Undergraduate Office must be obtained in advance. Please see these requirements which must be fulfilled in order to use a UROP to satisfy the project lab requirement.