School students explore a method of DNA analysis at Jacobs University
For 20 students from schools of the national excellence school network MINT-EC, today (May 28th) marks the start of the MINT-EC camp on the topic of DNA analysis at Jacobs University Bremen. The participants come from all parts of Germany as well as Austria and Turkey. During the five day research camp, the students will work in labs and get to know student life in lectures and seminars. The camp's topic is the Polymerase chain reaction (PCR), a method of modern molecular biology that makes it possible to reproduce DNA sequences in a targeted manner.
PCR is therefore used not only in research labs but is also a central element in modern medical diagnostics. Furthermore, PCR is also used in securing evidence and in forensics as well as in detecting genetic modifications.
During the MINT-EC camp at Jacobs University Bremen, the students will use PCR in two different tests: For one thing, they will test agricultural plants of different origins for genetic modifications by checking the presence of resistance to a herbicide (weed killer). In a second test, the young people will isolate DNA from human oral mucosal cells and copy so-called “minisatellite DNA,” which can be used in modern analytics to produce a genetic fingerprint.
Two university lecturers from Jacobs University's study course "Biochemistry and Cell Biology" will introduce the students to these methods. "It is important to us to enable them to experience modern methods of DNA analysis," says Dr. Susanne Illenberger, and her colleague Dr. Sonja Diercks-Horn adds: "And it's always nice to see with how much fun these students experiment with us. "
The theory for the tests will be conveyed in lectures; the results will be analysed and discussed in seminars. In a subsequent mini-symposium, the various uses of PCR as well as the advantages and dangers of modern genetic analysis will be discussed.
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About MINT-EC – the national excellence school network
MINT-EC is the national excellence network of schools with Secondary Level II and a marked profile in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It was founded by employers in the year 2000 and works closely with regional educational initiatives. MINT-EC offers a broad selection of events and promotional opportunities for students as well as continued education and technical exchange programs for teachers and school administrators. The network with a current 295 certified schools, 315.000 students, and 25.000 teachers carries out its activities under the auspices of the Culture Minister Conference (KMK) of the states. The main sponsors of MINT-EC are the German metalworker employers association Arbeitgeberverband Gesamtmetall under the think ING initiative along with the Siemens Foundation and Bavarian employer associations vbm bayme / vbw.
Contact for the media at MINT-EC:
Jana Zielsdorf – Presse- und Öffentlichkeitsarbeit
Am Borsigturm 15 | 13507 Berlin
Tel.: 030-4000 67-37
E-Mail: zielsdorf@mint-ec.de
Internet: www.mint-ec.de
facebook.com/MINTECnetzwerk/
twitter: @mint_ec
About Jacobs University Bremen:
Studying in an international community. Obtaining a qualification to work on responsible tasks in a digitized and globalized society. Learning, researching and teaching across academic disciplines and countries. Strengthening people and markets with innovative solutions and advanced training programs. This is what Jacobs University Bremen stands for. Established as a private, English-medium campus university in Germany, it is continuously achieving top results in national and international university rankings. Its almost 1,400 students come from more than 100 countries with around 80% having relocated to Germany for their studies. Jacobs University’s research projects are funded by the German Research Foundation or the European Research Council as well as by globally leading companies.
Contact for the media at Jacobs University Bremen:
Thomas Joppig | Corporate Communications & Public Relations
Campus Ring 1
28759 Bremen
Tel.: 0421 200-4504
E-Mail: t.joppig@jacobs-university.de
Internet: www.jacobs-university.de
www.facebook.com/jacobs.university
twitter: @jacobs_bremen