RNIB lab visit Norman Brown, Outreach Co-ordinator at RNIB New College told Science Year about a very stimulating visit to explore genetic engineering first hand. He’s keen you should get in touch if you find this interesting, details below. March 2002. RNIB New College, Year 13 visit to the microbiology and genetics department at Nottingham University. The purpose of this visit was to allow the students to obtain hands-on experience of the processes involved in genetic engineering. They cloned a specific gene using the polymerase chain reaction, inserted it into a vector called a plasmid, introduced the modified plasmid into a bacterium and then grew their transformed bacteria on a selective medium which allowed us to assess the success of our technique. The photographs show the students carrying out some of the practical procedures involved... Emily discusses the cloning process with Dr Liz Sockett. Dr Liz helps Sarah add her tiny sample of DNA to the plasmids. John searches for a tip to his autopipette. The autopipette delivers an accurately measured volume of 1/1000 of a ml. Success! John adds his plasmids to the bacteria. The school has a web site at www.rnibnewcollege.worcs.sch.uk and our Outreach contact email address is outreach@rnibncw.demon.co.uk Go Back