YEAR 12 AMGEN BIOTECHNOLOGY EXPERIENCE
This year once again, has seen the year 12 Biology classesundertake the Amgen Biotechnology Experience. This is an extended genetic engineering experiment in which students use gene cloning to make lots of copies of a protein of interest, in this case, red fluorescent protein. This same technique is used in the real world to make useful proteins like human insulin.
For the purpose of quick visualisation, we make a visible protein. Students learnt some tools of the trade like micropipetting (working with very small volumes), gel electrophoresis (separating DNA fragments based on size) and PCR (making up to a billion copies of a DNA sample). Students learnt about plasmids, which are small circular forms of DNA in bacteria that can move in and out of cells and can be used as vectors for our gene of interest, as well as restriction enzymes, which are molecular scissors that can cut specific sequences of DNA.
During the experiment, students worked under pressure and saw that things didn’t always go to plan. They had to analyse results and troubleshoot problems. At the end of the day, students successfully completed the experiment and learnt a lot about biotechnology along the way. Well done on your hard work year 12!
