2002-2003 Research Project

The research project for the 2002/2003 WSSP focused on finding similar genes in distantly related organisms. These conserved genes are likely to code for fundamental functions that are essential for survival. Our project was based on the observation that important genes are evolutionarily conserved; that is, genes of similar sequence can be found in non-related organisms. This must mean that the genes code for ancient, fundamental functions that have been conserved. We were seeking to determine if there are human genes similar to those found in the nematode model system Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) that code for functions that are vital to both organisms.

In the course of these studies, students, teachers, and research scientists worked together, using the basic principles of molecular biology and genetic engineering to try to solve this research problem. By actually doing science, teachers and students gained an understanding of how science operates.