Students work with DNA mutations in medical research

Year 12 Human Biology students from St Mary MacKillop College visited the Lotterywest Biodiscovery Centre this week at the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research in Perth.

Research scientists at the new QEII Medical Centre in Nedlands provided the students with opportunities to work with real DNA in a Level 2 Laboratory and to better understand methods of identifying DNA mutations.

The students engaged in a practical laboratory session that explored how to amplify the potentially mutated gene of melanoma patients, which could lead to improved treatment options. They ran a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) to amplify the gene of interest, then used gel electrophoresis to verify their results and examine the gene in respect to a nucleotide ladder. They also toured the facility and examined gene-sequencing equipment.

Human Biology teacher Miss Holly Morrow said the sessions at the Perkins Institute provided hands-on access to valuable content for their course. “They got a real-world look at causes of mutations, real biotechnology techniques and the new developments that are providing greater access to genetic information.”