In modern teaching laboratories, DNALC staff guide students to learn through discovery.
The laboratory protocols were developed by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory's DNA Literacy
Program and have been performed by thousands of teachers and students nationwide.
Four different laboratory experiences
allow HS students to practice key techniques used by
genetic engineers. DNA restriction analysis and bacterial
transformation are now required by the Educational
Testing Service as part of the Advanced Placement
Biology curriculum. In Human DNA Fingerprinting and
Human Mitochondrial Sequencing students examine their
own DNA.
DNA
Restriction Analysis (3.5 hrs.)
This experiment demonstrates that DNA can be precisely manipulated
and that it behaves as predicted by the Watson-Crick structure.
Students use restriction enzymes, the scissors of molecular biologists,
to cut DNA from the bacteriophage lambda. The resulting
DNA fragments are analyzed by agarose gel electrophoresis. Photographs
of students' results will be posted on the DNALC web site.
Bacterial
Transformation (2.5hrs.)
This
experiment illustrates the direct link between an organism's genetic
complement (genotype) and its observable characteristics (phenotype).
Students introduce a gene for antibiotic resistance into the bacterium
E. coli. Following overnight incubation, transformed bacteria are
compared to unexposed bacteria for their ability to grow in the
presence of ampicillin.
Human
Mitochondrial Sequencing* (3.75 hrs.)
This
lab examines Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) in the human
mitochondrial genome. Students amplify a small region of their own
mitochondrial DNA by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and use the
product as a template for DNA Cycle Sequencing. The students obtain
their "finished" sequence by accessing a site on the World
Wide Web. Computer analysis of the data is performed at school using
the DNALC's bioinformatics tool "Sequence Server".
Human
DNA Fingerprinting* (3.75 hrs.)
This
experiment examines DNA polymorphisms that are the basis of forensic
DNA fingerprinting and genetic diagnosis. Students prepare a sample
of their own DNA from cells obtained by saline mouthwash. The automated
technique of polymerase chain reaction is used to amplify polymorphic
DNA fragments. Staff amplify and electrophorese the DNA samples
during the laboratory, and post class results on the DNALC web site.
* Participation restricted to students in grades 10 through 12; consent form required (see reservation details below).
Human
Mitochondrial Sequencing and Human DNA Finger Printing are restricted to students in 10th,
11th or 12th grade. Participation requires a signed consent form
(will be provided by the DNALC) from the parent/guardian of each participant
under 18 years of age.
Unless other arrangements have been made in advance, all labs begin promptly at 9:30 AM.
