Hands-on DNA Workshop: Bacterial Evolution

The continual struggle between bacterial pathogens (bacteria that cause disease) and their hosts provides an illustration of evolution in action, driven by changes in the bacterial DNA.

In Hands-on DNA: Bacterial Evolution, students use research-grade laboratory equipment to investigate DNA samples from new outbreaks of bacterial disease, comparing them to samples of known bacteria. Will the Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria in question cause a mild case of strep throat or a potentially deadly episode of necrotising fasciitis?

In this workshop students will:

• digest 3 DNA samples (2 reference samples and a sample from a new outbreak) with EcoRI (restriction enzyme)
• separate these DNA fragments using gel electrophoresis
• analyse their gels to decide whether the outbreak sample matches the reference samples or is a new strain.

Learning objectives

• to experience and develop skills in molecular biology laboratory techniques
• to analyse and interpret results and to then draw a conclusion
• to gain an awareness of contemporary research on the evolution of pathogenic bacterial strains.

Students will also gain a deeper understanding of:

• the structure and function of DNA-
• the basic principles of evolutionary theory
• the structure of bacteria, and how this influences infection and immunity.

Dates: Go to the events calendar to find forthcoming dates

Capacity: 30 pupils

Hands-On DNA project

This workshop is part of the Hands-On DNA project. This project is a collaboration between ASDC and three partner centres, At-Bristol, Nowgen in Manchester and the Centre for Life in Newcastle, and is supported by the Wellcome Trust.

The Natural History Museum was selected to become one of the new organisations to participate in the project.