Cost: $3,400
Age: Rising 9th graders and older
MAXIMUM CAPACITY: 12 STUDENTS
The DNA Science Advanced Practicum Program is intended for students who have a passion for hands on modern molecular biology, and perhaps intend to pursue future research level opportunities at the high school or college level. In the world of DNA science it is said that “DNA is the flash, but proteins are the cash.” Students will spend nearly all their time in the Portal at the lab bench using the most up to date techniques of molecular biology to first clone a gene (flash); and then purify the encoded protein (cash). We will use PCR to amplify the amylase gene from geobacillus stearothermophilus and clone that gene into a DNA expression plasmid. Inserting that plasmid DNA into E. coli bacteria will allow the genetically engineered bacterium to make a new, and commercially viable protein product. This series of techniques lies at the heart of DNA Science and the biotechnology industry.
Some prior experience with the tools and techniques of DNA science, such as electrophoresis, micropipetting, chromatography, centrifugation and sterile technique is required in advance. Completion of a previous summer of DNA Science, high school biology and/or high school chemistry a significant advantage.
