KS5 DNA Electrophoresis

As the scientific authority for the plants listed in the CITES treaty in the UK, Kew scientists use DNA profiling to identify plant material impounded by HM Customs and Excise which is thought to be contravening CITES.

Pupils treat samples of DNA amplified by PCR with restriction enzymes and separate these with gel electrophoresis.

This session makes up a half day or part of a full day visit that is tailored to suit the needs of your group and is planned in detail with a Wakehurst teacher prior to the visit. One other workshop makes up a full day visit.

Learning outcomes

Educational visits at Wakehurst support and enhance the curriculum offered in schools and colleges. We aim to give pupils opportunities that are difficult or impossible to create in the school or college environment.

We design our sessions to match the learning outcomes in the national curriculum and exam board specifications.

This session offers pupils the opportunity to:

• Treat samples of DNA, amplified by PCR with restriction enzymes.
• Use gel electrophoresis to separate the DNA fragments.
• Use sterile forensic techniques.
• Compare the results of the different samples.
• Learn about the aims and workings of the CITES treaty and the use of DNA profiling in the operation of CITES regulations for conservation.

Curriculum links 

This KS5 visit supports and enhances the curriculum offered in schools and colleges.