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DNA & the Genome| PCR Masterclass: A Question of Taste

A full day, hands-on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) masterclass for Higher Biology and Higher Human Biology students. Using their own DNA, pupils will discover and compare their version of a bitter taste receptor gene (their genotype) to their ability to taste the bitter compound (their phenotype). They will use cutting-edge equipment to carry out the modern laboratory techniques of DNA extraction, PCR, restriction enzyme digestion, and DNA gel electrophoresis.

Learning Objectives

• Understand DNA structure and function
• Understand that we can identify genotypes using molecular biology techniques
• Understand how restriction enzymes cut DNA
• Use of restriction enzymes and electrophoresis to detect single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in their own DNA
• Interpretation of experimental results
• To reveal the world of work in scientific research

Techniques Used

• DNA extraction
• Centrifugation
• Micropipetting
• Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
• Restriction digest
• DNA gel electrophoresis

Workshop Timeline

• DNA extraction of student's own cheek cells using centrifugation to pellet their cells
• Introduction to PCR and using micropipetting to set up PCR
• Restriction digest to determine genotype
• Electrophoresis on agarose gels
• Analysis and interpretation of results
• Discussion with scientists from The Roslin Institute

Curriculum Links

Higher Biology

1. The structure of DNA
   • (a) Structure of DNA
2. Structure and replication of DNA
   • (a) Structure of DNA
   • (c) Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
3. Gene expression
   • (e) Phenotype is determined by the proteins produced as the result of gene expression
4. Mutations
   • (a) Mutations are changes in the DNA that can result in an altered protein being synthesized
   • (b) Single gene mutations
5. Mutations
   • (a) Mutations
   • (b) Single gene mutations

Higher Human Biology

2. Replication of DNA
   • (b) Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
3. Gene expression
   • (e) Phenotype is determined by the proteins produced as the result of gene expression
4. Human genomics
   • (b) Individual genome analysis
5. Genomic Sequencing
   • (c) Comparison of genomes from different species
   • (d) Individual genome analysis

Workshop Details

• Learning Level: Higher, HNC, HND
• Location: Easter Bush Science Outreach Centre, The University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, EH25 9RG
• Minimum Attendance: 16
• Maximum Attendance: 20
• Duration: 5 hours
• Timings: 10am - 3pm
• Cost: ｣10 per student

Availability

The workshop is available on the following dates:

• Tues 1 November
• Thurs 10 November
• Tues 15 November
• Tues 22 November
• Wed 2 November
• Thurs 17 November
• Wed 23 November
• Thurs 24 November