Science 

Year 12 Biology

On Wednesday, March 16 the Year 12 Biology students went to the Gene Technology Access Centre (GTAC) at the University of Melbourne to participate in a hands-on genetics practical entitled "Recombinant DNA Technologies for Protein Production".  In this activity, students are immersed in the world of biotechnology as they apply gene cloning techniques used in protein production.  Each group of 4-5 students team up with a PhD genetics student who instructs them through the process.  They use models to demonstrate the processes underpinning various DNA technologies. They perform restriction digests and gel electrophoresis to determine if two genes, including a marker gene for Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP), have been successfully inserted into a plasmid vector. They transform E.coli cells with the recombinant plasmid vector so that they will produce a new protein and the marker protein, GFP. They plate out their transformed E.coli samples on selective media and take these plates back to school to identify if bacteria have been transformed with the recombinant plasmid (it had!).  Among other practical applications, this is the process used to create synthetic insulin for diabetes patients.  

 Ashley Forster - Science Domain leader