Hands on DNA:

The continual struggle between bacterial pathogens and their hosts provides an illustration of evolution in action, driven by changes in the bacterial DNA. In Hands-on DNA:Bacterial Evolution, students step into the role of a clinical bacteriologist and use research-grade laboratory equipment to investigate DNA samples from new outbreaks of bacterial disease, comparing them to reference samples. Will the Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria in question cause a mild case of strep throat or a potentially deadly episode of necrotising fasciitis?

Students use restriction enzyme digests and gel electrophoresis to analyse the DNA and additional activities are included to reinforce learning about DNA, restriction enzymes and evolution.

At the end of the workshop, students look at the DNA evidence, decide what advice to give their colleagues at the scene of the outbreak and whether their outbreak samples need further investigation.

Workshop Outline:

• Digest three DNA samples (two reference and one from a new outbreak) with EcoRI
• Separate DNA fragments using gel electrophoresis
• Analyse gels to see whether outbreak sample matches either reference sample or is a new strain

This workshop fits into the KS4 and 5 Biology and BTec Applied science curriculum, it lasts 2.5 hours and costs £10 per student.

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