Ithaca College

Please join us for a talk entitled: Exploring binding mechanics between DNA and proteins using fluorescence microscopy with Dr. Preston Countryman

Each cell in the human body contains a tremendous amount of DNA, and a wide variety of proteins. Every cellular process, from mitosis to ATP production, requires a protein to locate a very specific piece of DNA. Proteins search for their relevant DNA binding sites by moving along the DNA or diffusing through cellular media. It is difficult to determine what type of DNA a specific protein is searching for due to crowding within the cell. By stretching out long DNA sequences in liquid and flowing in proteins labeled with fluorescent markers, one can use microscopes to track the movement of proteins along the DNA tightropes and determine specific DNA/protein binding mechanics. Exploring how cells survive and thrive requires the biological purification of DNA and proteins, setting up and performing microscope experiments, and data analysis of the protein diffusion.

Tuesday December 10
12:10
CNS 204

Sandwiches will be provided. Please remember to bring your own cup. Reduce, reuse, recycle.

Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations should contact the Department Assistant at jackerman@ithaca.edu . We ask that requests for accommodations be made as soon as possible.