The students of biology of classes XI and XII were privileged to attend a session on Biotechnology at the National Science Centre on 27 April 2018. They were accompanied by their teacher, Ms. Suman Aswal.
The state of art Biotech Laboratory was a part of recent developments at the Centre and was equipped with all sorts of biotech equipment-gel electrophoresis kit, dry deep freezer, imager, micropipette etcetera-required for conducting fascinating experiments.
The students got a hands on learning experience about how the restriction enzymes act as molecular scissors that can cut DNA into pieces, helping them to know which enzymes cut and whereby making a Restriction Map.
Restriction enzymes such as ECO R1, Hind III and Ps1 obtained from different bacteria were used. The students were divided in groups. They measured chemicals and performed all steps of Gel Electrophoresis, a process which separates molecule on the basis of their sizes by making agarose gel and using various dyes.
The same process was repeated with DNA. Thus, determining the number of sites for various enzymes and analyzing the length of DNA fragments.
The experiment lasted nearly 2 hours and 45 minutes. The students were taken on a conducted tour of the lab to have a look at all equipment. A visit to the National Science Centre is always a great way to arouse curiosity and boost the scientific temper of the school students. Possibly even motivate them to enter the field.
The session was truly informative and enriching. We look forward to such visits in the future for widening our horizons and enriching our understanding of the fascinating world of science.
Sehaj Kaur Bedi Class XII.
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