Biology News

Our class decided to run a practical focusing on the technique of gel electrophoresis. Similar to what occurs in forensic sciences, when potential suspect's DNA's are compared with target DNA found in a crime scene, Gel electrophoresis sorts DNA fragments based on their sizes.  

In order to run a gel electrophoresis, we first had to place the loading gel into each of the samples, in order to prepare all the samples to be inserted into the holes (Also known as wells) on the gel. Then, came the difficult part. Using whatever biological intuition and skill we had, we had to insert each of the samples of suspect DNA and Crime scene DNA into the wells of the gel. And the process is definitely "easier said then done!" Due to the size of the wells, the precision of the pipette insertion was difficult to manoeuvre, but eventually, we'd all get better with plenty of practice! The gel was placed in a power pack, and left with an electric current for 5 minutes, where we could witness the negatively charged DNA moving to the positive electrode. 

Finally, the fun part. Using a colour stain (Ours lovingly named, "Fast Blast!") we could finally see the DNA samples, and figure out which sample matched the crime scene, to end the prac.

Overall, the prac was extremely fun, an interesting way to spend the hour, especially for the last week of school! 

Sanjana Jijo (11 Frew)