Teaching Biotechnology through Real-World Projects: Species Identification through
DNA Analysis
HFCC’s Biotechnology ProgramPaul Root
Jolie Stepaniak
What is it?• Species identification can be difficult.
What is it?
What is it?
Modern genetics techniques can be used to identify species.
• All living (or once-living) things contain DNA.
• Different species have different DNA sequences.
• Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) can make millions of copies of specific DNA sequences, which can then be analyzed.
From: www.nobelprize.org
Bio 261: Nucleic AcidsFinal Project
• Each student:– received a swab of cells
from an unknown organism.– designed and executed an
experiment using PCR to identify the source species.
Benefits to students:• Challenging and fun• Authentic laboratory experience; real-world
problem-solving• Opportunity to demonstrate marketable skills
