On Friday the 7th of June, our Year 13 Biology class visited the Biochemistry Department for our Genetic Manipulation topic.

We were invited into the microbiology lab, and learnt a little bit about DNA strands and restriction enzymes. Then, we were lucky enough to perform a gel electrophoresis experiment to see the movement of DNA molecules. From these experiments, we were able to estimate how long each strand of DNA was. We also attended a short lecture about how researchers investigate proteins that cause disease.

We were then shown how scientists design drugs to treat the targeted disease, and how pharmaceutical companies can use this information to produce new medicines.

Our Year 13s found this trip very interesting, and we all benefited from being able to interact with a Biochemist, and to find out more about what they study.

By Sahara Hurley