How can DNA can be used to determine what pathogenic bacteria are causing a food borne illness
Science Domains: Life Science
NGSS Standards: HS-LS1-1
Project
How can DNA can be used to determine what pathogenic bacteria are causing a food borne illness
Science Domains: Life Science
NGSS Standards: HS-LS1-1
Download the project poster as a PDF. The project poster includes a description of the challenge, learning goals, and a list of materials and references.
Download The Poster (PDF)Students will understand food safety is a major public health concern because our world is full of microbes. Students will demonstrate modern methods (molecular methods based on genetic sequences) to detect harmful microbes in our environment. Students will demonstrate micropipetting skills. Students will understand that in using the Polymerase Chain Reaction a targeted specific gene fragment is amplified through many copies being produced (3 steps: denaturation, annealing, extension). Students will identify how PCR applications have transformed the world through molecular diagnostics, personalized medicine, consumer genomics, food and agriculture, human evolution, and forensics. Students will apply the restriction digest enzyme to effectively act as “molecular scissors” regarding the targeted gene fragment. Students will carry out a gel electrophoresis experiment to visibly see the results and analyze the data to conclude what food contains the pathogenic bacteria. Students will design an experiment proposal to study genes in space on the ISS.
Materials needed:
