Practical Biology with Amgen

Amgen biotechnology equipment gives Sixth Formers an insight into practical DNA science

As part of Biology Week, we used some biotechnology equipment lent to us by Amgen and the University of Hertfordshire to manipulate DNA.

We cut open a plasmid using special enzymes called ‘restriction’ enzymes and then ligated the red fluorescent protein gene into the plasmid.

We loaded the DNA into a gel and carried out electrophoresis to analyse the DNA and see if our procedures worked. We learnt how to use micropipettes, electrophoresis apparatus and microcentrifuges. This gave us a great insight into laboratory practicals that we could have at university, as well as how research scientists would use this equipment to manipulate DNA to cure diseases.

Pear Quartey, Year 12 Biologist