The Gene Explorer

• Explore a sample gene:
• Explore the correspondence between DNA, pre-mRNA, mature mRNA, and protein
• Map the functional elements of a gene.
• Create mutations in a gene and explore their effects.
• Design a gene of their own and see how it is expressed.

• The DNA strands with base-pair 62 highlighted.
• The user can scroll to select other bases with the arrow keys.
• The user can edit the DNA sequence to produce mutations.
• The pre-mRNA extending from the promoter to the terminator. Exons and introns are shown in color. The mRNA base corresponding to base 62 in the DNA is highlighted.
• The mature mRNA spliced according to the splice signals in the pre-mRNA. Start and stop codons are underlined. The mRNA base corresponding to DNA base 62 is highlighted.
• The protein with its N and C termini shown. The amino acid whose codon includes the mRNA encoded by DNA base 62 is highlighted.

1. Starts with a DNA sequence.
2. Finds the promoter (TATAA).
3. Transcribes the pre-mRNA until it reaches a terminator (GGGGG).
4. Removes the introns from the pre-mRNA (GUGCG......CAAAG).
5. Adds a poly A tail.
6. Translates the mature mRNA from the first AUG to the stop codon.

• You can download Gene Explorer from the following links:
• GeneExplorer for Windows 98 and above
• GeneExplorer for Mac OS X
• GeneExplorer for Linux/UNIX
• The Gene Explorer is also available as an applet that can be incorporated into a web page with custom parameters. Sample page.
• This is a lab manual for a lab that uses Gene Explorer.
• This software is also available as a part of the textbook: A Problems Approach to Introductory Biology