Introduction

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    Microarray analysis is a technique used for observing gene expression  in chosen organisms.  A slide is prepared with wells that contain specific sequences of DNA that correlates to them.  When outside DNA is introduced to the slide, it's corresponding sequences will bind to the ones present in the wells. Fluorescent dyes are applied to the "outside DNA" so that their binding can be viewed.  A specialized scanner is used to view the results and show an image of the dyes that are fluorescing.  These images can then be analyzed using programs, such as MagicTool, that will allow the experimenter to determine the relative expressions of the genes.  The following image illustrates a general method for creating a microarray slide.  This picture was obtained from http://www.bioteach.ubc.ca/MolecularBiology/microarray/cDNA-array.jpg.

    Common baker's yeast, Sacchromyces cervesiae, is a common test subject for eukaryotic gene expression.  Because it is single celled, it is easier to study than the more complex organisms in the kingdom, Eucarya.  For this experiment, we are using it to study the effects of oxidative stress on gene expression.  Oxidative stress can be very harmful to the cell if it comes in contact with free radicals.  The ZWF1 gene is the key player in combating the effects of oxidative stress.  It allows the cells to make glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase that will rid the cell of the free radicals.  It is hypothesized that the ZMS1 and ZMS2 genes act to keep the ZWF1 gene from being transcribed.  If these genes were to be knocked out then we feel that the ZWF1 gene will be up regulated for transcription.

    Dr. Kim Slekar of James Madison University has continued research on yeast cells with knockout genes for oxidative stress.  It is her goal to observe what genes play a role in combating the effects of oxygen radicals. Her research has focused on the roles of ZMS1 and ZMS2 genes in the yeast cells.   http://www.jmu.edu/biology/faculty/slekar/slekar.shtml  We are seeking to further provide data for her research through the use of microarray technology to observe the gene expression in mutant and wild type yeast cells.  We hope to determine the expression of oxidative stress genes and how they are affected when the ZMS2 gene is  knocked out.  We will also compare the expression rates of other genes believed to be involved in oxidative stress from other groups' slides.