Manipulating the DNA molecule and applying biotechnologies – Virtual Program

In this program students explore how DNA cloning techniques were used by scientists to develop a vaccine candidate for hepatitis B virus. Students model restriction digests and view a simulation of gel electrophoresis to analyse results.  The DNA technology determines if genes of interest have been inserted into bacterial DNA to create a recombinant plasmid. The genes of interest include the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) gene and the Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) gene.

This program includes a post task exploring how bacteria are transformed with the recombinant plasmid and used to generate the HBsAg protein for vaccine trials.  Teachers will be provided with support media including: step through animations, simulations of bio-techniques, and results for students to analyse.

Please note the VCAA have advised that simulations of experiments can count towards practical class time for the revised 2020 Biology Study Design.

 

This program has three parts:

Part A: Pre-task - Constructing a DNA plasmid (approx. 30 minutes)

Students build recombinant plasmid models to use in part B of this program.

Part B: Video conferencing program - Run diagnostics on recombinant plasmids (70 minutes)

Using video conferencing facilities GTAC will connect with you and your students so that they can investigate why gene cloning is useful in the lab, model restriction digests and analyse results to verify their plasmid.

Part C: Transforming bacteria to generate HBsAg protein (approx. 60 minutes)

This workshop is run by teachers using media clips and resources provided by GTAC. These materials are designed to support students to understand the techniques carried out in a bacterial transformation and the method used to select for transformed bacteria.

 

GTAC uses Cisco Webex Events to deliver video conferencing sessions. Students can join a session via a link (PC/Mac) or by downloading the Cisco Webex Meetings app (Tablet/Mobile). This platform has been approved for use in all Government schools by the Victorian Department of Education and Training.

 

Level: VCE Biology Unit 4

 

 

Expressions of interest for this program have now closed

 

 

Curriculum links: Unit 4 AOS2 Outcome 2 How do humans impact on biological processes?

Key knowledge areas:
DNA manipulation
  • The use of enzymes including endonucleases (restriction enzymes), ligases and polymerases
  • The use of gel electrophoresis in sorting DNA fragments, including interpretation of gel runs
  • The use of recombinant plasmids as vectors to transform bacterial cells
Biological knowledge and society
  • Techniques that apply DNA knowledge (specifically gene cloning)
Key science skills:

Collect and record data (through observation of simulations of experiments)

  • Collect, record and summarise both qualitative and quantitative data

Analyse and evaluate data, methods and scientific models

  • Organise, present and interpret data using schematic diagrams and flow charts, and tables
  • Explain how models are used to organise and understand observed phenomena and concepts related to biology, identifying limitations of the models

Draw evidence-based conclusions

  • Draw conclusions consistent with evidence and relevant to the question under investigation