Past Events > GROW 2000

GROW 2001 Summer Workshop - DNA Detectives

Presented by: Dr. Melissa Green

With the recent completion of the human genome sequencing project, scientists are better prepared to gain a better understanding of how some diseases affect our bodies. Additionally, this information can be combined with current technology in order determine a person's identity. During first part of the activity, you will isolate DNA from a number of sources, in an effort to get you familiar with DNA and its properties. Afterwards, you will serve as the detective who collects and analyzes DNA obtained as evidence from a crime scene and from several suspects, in order to determine "Who Did It?"!! In the second part of this activity, you will explore how quickly and easily disease transmission can occur from one person to another, and discuss various ways to prevent disease outbreak.