• Overview
• Overview for teachers
• Electrophoresis
• Practical: food colour gel electrophoresis
• Class activity (PDF)
• ERT assessment
• Glossary
• Case study 1 - foreign fish in our market
• Learning outcomes for students
• PD for teachers
• Teacher information
• Experiment 1 - performing a BLAST search (PDF)
• Experiment 2 - creating a phylogenetic tree (PDF)
• Laboratory activity - Oxidation of Fish Oil (PDF)
• Case study 2 - oyster bloom
• Learning outcomes for students
• PD for teachers
• Teacher information
• The oyster industry
• Background of oysters
• Aquaculture in South Australia
• Experiment 1 - induction of spawning in oysters (PDF)
• Experiment 2 - observing the male and female oyster gamates (PDF)

DNA Electrophoresis

What is Bioinformatics? Bioinformatics is the field of science that incorporates biology, computer science and information technology. Through the use of DNA analysis techniques such as DNA electrophoresis small amounts of DNA can be compared, analysed and manipulated. Computer databases can be used to find open reading frames within DNA sequences and the resulting protein the sequence codes for.

How is Bioinformatics useful? Bioinformatics allows you to access DNA sequences and analyse them using computer programs. As you analyse sequences you can learn and reinforce concepts in molecular biology such as how genes determine biological function.

What are the benefits of Bioinformatics? Using DNA analysis and Bioinformatics scientists can compare variants of selected genes to analyse and amplify desired traits. With desired traits scientists can then produce crops with enhanced nutritional value, higher production, increased growing rates, etc.

How can Bioinformatics assist with industry processes? Students will learn about the significance of genetic engineering in agriculture through DNA electrophoresis and Bioinformatics. Through genetic engineering scientists have discovered and transferred genes into rice to increase the levels of Vitamin A, iron and other micronutrients. Genes have also been transferred to crops to control pests. Genetically modified foods are becoming more common (e.g. genes from yeast are being transferred into tomatoes to extend the shelf life). With the decrease in sufficient farmland cereal varieties are currently being developed that have a greater tolerance for soil alkalinity.

What are the outcomes / objective to teaching Bioinformatics? Through teaching genetics and Bioinformatics in the classroom students will develop a greater understanding of the applications of DNA in industry processes.