Year 12 Biology

On Tuesday 19 March the Year 12 Biology class had the amazing opportunity to go to the Harry Perkins Institute for Biomedical Research with Mrs Lopez and learn about some of the current methods used in genetic research and genetic engineering.

After the instructions were given, students were able to get down to work amplifying part of a gene that controls cell growth and is involved in skin cancer development in humans. The students used the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) method to actually create multiple copies of DNA which were later separated using gel electrophoresis. Often these methods are modelled in a school environment, but the Harry Perkins laboratories allowed the students to actually do the real thing, just like a genetic researcher would do. Apart from learning about the tools in gene technology, the students also got an insight into a modern work environment in the field of biological and medical research.

Dr Michael Werner
Science Teacher