Seventh Graders Explore DNA Science

Representatives from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory’s DNA Learning Center recently visited seventh grade classes at Elwood Middle School to guide them in exploring gel electrophoresis, a laboratory method used to separate mixtures of DNA, RNA or proteins according to molecular size. In gel electrophoresis, the molecules to be separated are pushed by an electrical field through a gel that contains small pores. The students were able to use real equipment to perform the procedure, then solved a “crime” by matching DNA of various suspects using this method.

Date Added: 6/11/2024