Super Science Saturdays: A Gel Can Tell: Using Gel Electrophoresis to Diagnose the Likelihood of Breast Cancer

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Target Audience

High school students that love science.

Description

Have you heard of gel electrophoresis? What about DNA fingerprinting? You may know about these as they relate to figuring out who left their DNA at a crime scene, but did you know that gel electrophoresis can also help predict the likelihood of developing a genetic condition? During this workshop, you will learn how to use a micropipette to load simulated DNA into a gel, run gel electrophoresis, and help inform a hypothetical patient as to whether or not she is at risk for breast cancer. In addition, you will discuss some of the ethical, legal, and social concerns that come along with genetic testing.

Speaker
Maya Schultz

Objectives

• Students will work in diverse teams to practice using a micropipette to load small samples of simulated DNA.
• Students will be able to explain how gel electrophoresis works to create a DNA fingerprint and will be able to provide several ways gel electrophoresis can be useful to doctors and investigators.
• Students will work in diverse teams to run gel electrophoresis to determine the likelihood of a hypothetical patient being at risk for breast cancer.
• Students will discuss reasons why a person with a family history of an inherited disorder may or may not choose to seek genetic testing.

Sessions