Abstract
An experiment is presented that demonstrates current techniques in modern RNA research and introduces a method for nonradioactive monitoring of RNA reactions. The laboratory involves the study of hammerhead ribozyme activity and the influence of metal ions and antibiotics on these important RNA-based reactions. The ribozyme class of RNA catalysts has current applications in both biotechnology and medicine and therefore should be of great interest to upper-level undergraduate students who anticipate careers in these areas. The students gain hands-on experience in working with RNA on a picomole level and also learn about gel electrophoresis, the use of fluorescent tagging, RNA-small molecule interactions, and the role of metal ions in biological systems. This laboratory offers students an opportunity to work with molecules that have direct applications in drug therapy and RNA catalysis.
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