Genetic Engineering Internship

Genetic engineering – a topic often met with controversy in public debate. But what exactly does it involve? What do genetic engineers actually do in modern laboratories? And is genetic engineering truly dangerous?

These are the kinds of questions that also occupied the minds of students in the Q11 biology courses at the Marien-Gymnasium Kaufbeuren. To gain clarity and hands-on insight, they were given the opportunity to explore genetic engineering techniques for themselves during a practical workshop. On July 8th, 9th, and 12th, 2019, individual biology classes visited the DNA Laboratory of the Deutsches Museum in Munich.

The day began with a brief theoretical introduction to plasmids – ring-shaped DNA molecules found in bacteria that carry specific genetic traits, such as resistance to antibiotics. Using so-called restriction enzymes, often referred to as “genetic scissors,” the plasmids were precisely cut open. Into this opened ring, students inserted a segment of foreign DNA with the help of ligase, another specialized enzyme. This inserted segment typically contained the instructions for producing a specific protein.

But how can one tell whether the gene insertion was successful? To verify this, the students performed a gel electrophoresis – a technique used to separate and visualize DNA fragments. The sample containing the modified (recombinant) plasmid was carefully loaded into small gel pockets alongside reference samples. This step required a steady hand, concentration, and patience. If the insertion of the foreign DNA had been successful, an additional band appeared in the stained gel – visible proof of a successful genetic modification.