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Home » Get Involved » School Programs » Day Classes » Year 12 Mutations & PCR

Home > Get Involved > School Programs > Day Classes > Year 12 Mutations & PCR

Year 12 Mutations & PCR

UNDERSTANDING MUTATIONS USING PCR

Gain a deeper understanding of how mutations can be identified through PCR, Gel Electrophoresis and Sequencing in interactive wet and dry lab activities.

In the dry lab, students will discuss the causes and effects of mutations, and how the process of PCR can help us gain greater insights into them.

Content includes

Exploring different types, impacts, and causes of genetic mutations in human populations
A brief revision of DNA replication and protein synthesis
Considering germ-line mutations and their effect on the gene pool
Using gene technologies in the lab (PCR and Gel Electrophoresis) to understand the incidence of disease within a family

In the lab, students work on a case-study family with a genetic disease. They identify the mutation using the techniques of PCR and Gel Electrophoresis.

Students then learn about DNA sequencing, and how it is used to find the cause of the genetic disease.

This booklet contains information about payment and pricing, cancellations, evacuation maps, and more.

DOWNLOAD YOUR TEACHER INFORMATION BOOKLET

Activity duration: 5 hours
Max class size: 30 students

Price per student:

$50 per student per day for 20 or more
Less than 20 students per day: a flat fee of $1000 applies*

*If you are expecting a small class, please get in touch with [email protected] to discuss school sharing opportunities!

Curriculum Links

Human Biology Year 12 | Unit 4 Human Variation and Evolution
Biology Year 12 | Unit 3 Continuity of Species

SU statements:

Mutations in genes and chromosomes can result from errors in DNA replication, cell division or from damage caused by mutagens
Different genotypes produce a variety of phenotypes, which are acted on differently by factors in the environment, producing different rates of survival
Mutations are the ultimate source of variation introducing new alleles into a population: new alleles may be favourable or unfavourable to survival; gene pools are dynamic, with changes in allele frequency caused by a number of factors
Mutations in genes and chromosomes can result from errors in DNA replication or cell division, or from damage by physical or chemical factors in the environment
Mutation is the ultimate source of genetic variation as it introduces new alleles into a population

SHE statements:

Developments in biotechnology, for example polymerase chain reaction (PCR), gel electrophoresis and DNA sequencing, have increased access to genetic information of species and provide evidence for evolution.

SIS statements: