OCC students utilizing cutting-edge biotechnology
O lney Central College students can now perform genomic sequencing and DNA analysis with cutting-edge biotechnology purchased through a $5,000 OCC Foundation mini grant. Foundation members Sherry Brauer and Brenda Glover along with Executive Director Beth Miller witnessed these capabilities firsthand as students used the new portable PCR thermocycler and gel electropho - resis to solve a crime.
the relevance of these pieces of equipment and their real-world application. She spoke their language, used humor, and was totally available to the students.” A fan of forensics on TV, Brauer found the experi - ments fascinating and was amazed at how the instru- ments uncovered DNA matches. “The students were very engaged throughout the time I was there and excited by their findings,” she added. With the new PCR Thermocycler, OCC students have the ability to amplify small amounts of DNA to create a DNA fingerprint. The size of a brick, it can be moved to student lab benches or taken directly into the field. It replaces the Life Science Department’s older, bulkier equipment. “The new PCR Thermocycler operates much more quickly and will enable students to complete an entire lab exercise within a single two-hour laboratory period,” Bergbower said. “In four hours, you can have a trillion copies of the DNA.” Along with the PCR Thermocycler, students also have access to a DNA sequencer. The size of a candy bar, it
In the final step of the lab exercise, Dr. Sarah Bergbower’s students utilized DNA fingerprinting to analyze DNA fragments in a sample according to their size. The result gives a barcoding appearance that is unique among individuals, and when comparing the unknown sample to known samples, identification can be made. This technique can be used to answer questions of paternity, identify victims of natural disasters and solve crimes, along with other applications. “I was so impressed with Dr. Bergbower,” Brauer said. “Her enthusiasm for the new equipment was conta - gious and she did a great job of explaining to the class
ABOVE: OCC student Elisha Scoles uses the new equipment in the Life Science Lab.
16 OCC Annual Report
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