M-ABi | Agarose gel electrophoresis- dye, DNA and protein separation (N.B. This is a double session do not chose another A or B session)

Presenter: Jeanette Tran

In biotechnology, agarose gel electrophoresis is the cornerstone DNA separation technique. More recently, exciting innovations in the use of agarose gel electrophoresis are now enabling students to also engage with and explore both native and denatured protein separations using the same equipment previously used for DNA separation. This has significant implications for the classroom.

 This ‘nuts and bolts’ hands-on workshop explores the fundamental concepts and principles of agarose gel electrophoresis and its basic application in DNA and protein separation, as well as introducing more advanced applications. Participants will be exposed to a range of cost effective equipment, from home-made through to cutting edge and learn how to:

• Prepare, set up and manage classroom activities 
  
• Prepare and run dye, DNA, RNA and protein samples
  
• Visualise, record and analyse results
  
• Troubleshoot 
  

The workshop is structured to allow continuous opportunities for discussion, to enable participants to explore the options that best address their needs.

Participants will leave the session with the knowledge, practical skills and confidence to enable them to manage their students’ use of the technology in routine DNA and protein separations as well as for experimental investigations. Written resources are provided.