Year 12 DNA Manipulation Workshop
This workshop is offered at the School of Botany each Tuesday across term 3. It is designed to complement the curriculu in VCE Biology Unit 4 and is based on' real-life science'.
THERE IS NO CHARGE FOR THIS WORKSHOP
The science:
We work with the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. The use of model organisms in research is discussed.
Students observe the phenotypic effects of a mutation in a gene that encodes a cell wall protein in Arabidopsis.
When a related barley gene is transferred into the mutant Arabidopsis, the barley gene complements the mutation and the resultant plant shows a wild-type phenotype. Students observe the wild-type phenotype in the putative transgenic plants.
In the practical work, students confirm the presence of the transgene in the putative transgenic plants. They:
- extract DNA from both the mutant and the putative transgenic plants
- set up a PCR using primers that target the transgene
- run the PCR products on an agarose gel and observe and interpret the results
Because the time required to perform the practical work exceeds the time available in the workshop, we provide prepared (PCR-amplified) DNA samples for the students to load into their gels. This has the added advantage of ensuring successful results.
The workshop:
- PowerPoint introduction to the science and the techniques
- Hands-on activities in small groups
- Practical notes and worksheets provided
- Worksheets completed during the workshop
- Assessment materials suitable for a SAC provided to teacher
- Workshop approximately 2 hours 15 minutes in length
- Limit of 30 students per session
- Session start times set to suit schools’ needs as far as possible
Bookings:
We have one lab available every Tuesday. Bookings are taken on a first-come basis. A single class can complete this workshop and the Genetic Cross workshop on the one day. Where concurrent sessions are requested, we will do our best to accommodate, but cannot guarantee lab space will be available.
For further information or to make a booking, contact Marie Thorpe on 8344 5071 or email thorpem@unimelb.edu.au.
A risk assessment for this workshop is available on request.