High School Science Students Complete Work at DNA Learning Center

March 27, 2024

Students from Science Research (R.I.S.E.) and A.P. Biology recently completed laboratory work at Cold Spring Harbor DNA Learning Center. 

R.I.S.E. (Research in Science and Engineering) students examined a highly variable tandem repeat polymorphism on chromosome 1 called D1S80, similar to what the FBI uses to create a genetic profile. Students prepared a sample of DNA and amplified the sample by PCR, allowing students to identify specific genotypes, which is impossible with traditional gel electrophoresis methods. 

A.P. Biology students examined a region of DNA from chromosome 16 that can contain a short nucleotide sequence called Alu. Alu insertions are segments of DNA that “jump” around in the genome. Students prepared a sample of DNA, used PCR to amplify the targeted sequence, used gel electrophoresis to determine the presence or absence of this Alu, which jumped into the human chromosome tens of thousands of years ago.

Students also visited the museum exhibition on human evolution, including the first-ever Neanderthal skeleton reproduction and an exact replica of a 5,300 year-old man found frozen in the Ötztal Alps in 1991– Ötzi the Iceman.

Questions about the RISE program?

Please email Mr. DeAngelis at Adeangelis@sayvilleschools.org