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

A full day, hands-on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) masterclass. Using their own DNA, students will discover and compare their version of a bitter taste receptor gene (genotype) with their ability to taste the bitter compound (phenotype). Includes a unique opportunity to meet and work with our scientists.
 

Learning Level: Higher, HNC, HND

Location: Easter Bush Science Outreach Centre, The University of Edinburgh Easter Bush Campus, EH25 9RG

Minimum attendance: 16 (if your numbers are below 16, please let us know and we will do our best to twin you with another group.0

Maximum attendance: 20

Duration: 5 hours

Timings: 10am - 3pm

Cost: £10 per student

Availability: Fully booked

Workshop Description

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 (2018-2019)
Higher Human Biology  (2018-2019)
1 The structure of DNA (a) Structure of DNA

2 Structure and replication of DNA

(a) Structure of DNA  (c) Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)

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.
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 an altered protein being synthesized (b) Single gene mutations
6 Mutations (a) Mutations (b) Single gene mutations5 Human genomics (b) Individual genome analysis
8 Genomic Sequencing (c) Comparison of genomes from different species (d) Individual genome analysis 

Availability

Tues 1 NovemberThurs 10 NovemberTues 15 NovemberTues 22 November
Wed 2 November Thurs 17 NovemberWed 23 November
Thurs 3 November  Thurs 24 November

Downloadable Resources Risk Assessment

Workshop Description

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