Genome Science
Sponsored by the DNA Learning Center &
the Center for Science and Mathematics Education (CESAME) at Stony Brook University
The term genome was coined in 1920 by the German botanist Hans Winkler. A combination of the words gene and chromosome, a genome is the set of genes located on one or more chromosomes that defines a living organism. The concept of a genome has been expanded to mean the entire sequence of DNA nucleotides or "letters" (ATGC) that compose the genetic information within an organism's set of chromosomes, or all of it's genes. Complete genome sequences are now available for humans and many plants and animals. With this information in hand, the next step is for scientists to understand the physiological functions of the thousands of new genes for which little in known beyond their sequences.
In this camp, participants will use Nobel Prize winning technologies to analyze the genetic complement of several organisms. Lab work will include:
- using PCR (polymerase chain reaction) to amplify a piece of human DNA to examine a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in a taste receptor that correlates with the ability to taste the bitter chemical phenylthiocarbamide (PTC).
- manipulating the expression of genes in a roundworm called C. elegans with a technique called RNAi (RNA interference), used commonly to silence genes in gene function research.
- identifying various species of plants and animals through DNA barcoding; a technique used to amplify and sequence DNA that uniquely identifies each species of living thing.
- making use of online bioinformatic tools used for genomic analysis and gene mapping.
Genome Science is strictly limited to students who are entering 11th grade or higher, and have taken DNA Science or have a high level of training in the sciences (documentation required).
Tuition is $475 and includes all materials. The workshop runs from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday-Thursday, and 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Friday. PLEASE NOTE: This workshop is held at the Center for Science and Mathematics Education at Stony Brook University in the Life Sciences Building, Room 042.