Watershed biology students conduct basic DNA fingerprinting

Watershed Honors Biology students spent last week learning to use some of the basic tools and techniques associated with DNA science. Using 6 samples of plasmid (bacterial) DNA, and a restriction enzyme to cut the DNA at specific sequences of base-pairs, they conducted a model DNA paternity test. They used a method called gel electrophoresis to compare the resulting DNA fragment lengths.

Thanks to the generosity of the Cornell University Institute for Biology Teachers we were able to borrow the supplies necessary to carry out these challenging laboratory procedures.

Thanks also to our flexible English teacher, Richard Grant, for swapping class periods so that students were able to have an uninterrupted 4 hours to carry out the procedures.

Sarah and Harper preparing agarose before forming a gel

This is a photo of one of the gels -- we needed a tripod!