The program provides students with an insight into the relationship between molecular biology, genetics and plant breeding.
It consists of a two hour workshop in which students are given an introductory presentation and then rotate through four interactive workstations, covering:
1) Conventional plant breeding techniques: understanding variation, phenotype vs genotype, plant reproduction and inheritance.
2) DNA extraction: cell structure, biochemistry
3) Restriction enzymes / molecular markers: the concepts behind DNA fingerprinting
4) Gel electrophoresis: how we can ‘sort' DNA fragments by size.
At each workstation, students are given a worksheet to complete.
The session ends with a presentation examining transformation and genetic engineering and gives practical / relevant examples of current research being undertaken by the Australian Centre for Plant Functional Genomics (ACPFG) and the Molecular Plant Breeding Cooperative Research Centre (MPBCRC).
Who is it suitable for?
Get into Genes can be tailored to suit students from Year 9 to 12, studying either biology, agriculture or general science. It has been developed with close links to the curriculum (for more information see “curriculum links”).
Where is it?
Get into Genes is held within the Plant Genomics Centre, a fully functional research centre, at The University of Adelaide's Waite Campus, Hartley Grove Urrbrae. The Campus can be accessed easily via Cross Rd or Fullarton Rd.
The Waite is the largest agricultural research cluster in the southern hemisphere. Tours of laboratory facilities and the Waite Campus may be available upon request.
Workshops may be available to rural schools (outreach) depending on availability.
When is it available?
Get into Genes is available on Wednesdays and Thursdays of terms 1 and 2, 2005. Each session has been designed to fit in a double lesson (i.e. 1 ½ to 2 hours). We can take a maximum of 30 students per session. There is no minimum (within reason), however small groups may be encouraged to combine if convenient.
How do I book?
Visit the Get into Genes website
Or contact the Plant Genomics Centre Reception:
Phone: (08) 8303 7182
Fax: (08) 8303 7102
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