DNA Restriction Analysis

Overview
This lesson plan is designed for 11th-grade students attending a field trip to the Regeneron DNA Learning Center. The focus will be on DNA restriction analysis, a fundamental technique in molecular biology. Students will engage in hands-on activities that reinforce their understanding of DNA structure, restriction enzymes, and gel electrophoresis. This lesson plan aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of DNA restriction analysis while engaging them in hands-on scientific practices. Students from the new Genetics course and the College Biology course will be attending and paying for the cost ($25/student; 50 students) of this unique, hands-on, enrichment opportunity. The grant from Digital Wish will help cover the costs associated with this enriching field trip experience.
Duration
3.5 hours at Regeneron DNA Learning Center in Sleepy Hollow, NY
Standards Alignment
- NGSS HS-LS1-1: Students will develop and use models to illustrate the role of DNA and chromosomes in coding the instructions for characteristic traits.
- NGSS HS-LS3-1: Students will ask questions to clarify relationships about the role of DNA and chromosomes in determining traits.
- Common Core ELA Standards:
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.11-12.1: Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of science and technical texts.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.11-12.3: Follow precisely a complex multistep procedure when carrying out experiments, taking measurements, or performing technical tasks.

Objectives
- Understand the concept of DNA restriction analysis.
- Identify the role of restriction enzymes in DNA manipulation.
- Perform gel electrophoresis to analyze DNA fragments.
Materials Needed (provided by the center)
- DNA samples
- Restriction enzymes
- Gel electrophoresis apparatus
- Agarose gel and buffer solution
- Micropipettes and tips
- Loading dye
- Power supply
- Safety goggles and gloves
- Lab notebooks for observations

Lesson Outline
Introduction (20 minutes in classroom before Field trip)
1. Hook: Begin with a brief video showing real-world applications of DNA restriction analysis (e.g., genetic engineering, forensic science).
2. Discussion: Engage students in a discussion about what they know about DNA and its importance in biology. Ask guiding questions:
- What is DNA?
- How do scientists manipulate DNA?
3. Objective Overview: Explain the objectives of the lesson and what students will be doing during the field trip.
Direct Instruction (30 minutes in classroom before Field trip)
1. Lecture: Present a brief overview of DNA structure and the function of restriction enzymes. Include:
- Definition of restriction enzymes and their sources (bacteria).
- How restriction enzymes cut DNA at specific sequences.
- The concept of DNA fragments and their sizes.
2. Visual Aids: Use diagrams to illustrate DNA structure and the process of restriction analysis.
3. Q&A Session: Allow students to ask questions for clarification.
Hands-On Activity (3.5 hours at Regeneron)
1. Group Work: Divide students into small groups (4-5 students each).
2. Procedure:
- Each group will receive a DNA sample and restriction enzymes.
- Guide students through the process of:
- Setting up the reaction with DNA and enzymes.
- Incubating the reaction.
- Preparing agarose gel for electrophoresis.
3. Gel Electrophoresis:
- Show students how to load DNA samples into the gel wells.
- Connect the apparatus to the power supply and run the gel.
- Discuss the principles of electrophoresis and how DNA fragments separate based on size.
Analysis and Discussion (20 minutes in classroom after Field trip)
1. Observation: Once the gel run is complete, have students visualize the DNA bands.
2. Data Analysis: In their lab notebooks, students will:
- Record the sizes of the DNA fragments.
- Discuss the implications of their findings (e.g., what the results could indicate in a real-world context).
3. Class Discussion: Facilitate a discussion on the importance of DNA restriction analysis in various fields (e.g., medicine, forensics, agriculture).
Conclusion (10 minutes in classroom after Field trip)
1. Recap: Summarize the key points learned during the lesson.
2. Reflection: Ask students to write a brief reflection on what they learned and how it applies to real-world scenarios.
3. Exit Ticket: Students will submit one question they still have about DNA restriction analysis.
Assessment
- Participation in group activities.
- Lab notebook entries and data analysis.
- Exit ticket responses.
Additional Notes
- Ensure all safety protocols are followed during the lab activities.
- Prepare for potential questions students may have about DNA manipulation and its ethical implications.