Michael

This past semester has been very fun with my fellow classmates. The class has been very hands on because it was lab based. We have all learned tons of new information whether it was about ALU's, mDNA, or ISSR's. Being the first class we all had learning experiences together, even the teacher, as we had never performed some of these lab procedures. There were many indepth discussions on all topics and before each lab. I had tons of fun and it was a great class to take after AP Biology to build on the knowledge previously learned.

Lauren's thoughts on the matter

Biotech has been a long and interesting journey. Every lab we did built on the next lab. We gained so much knowledge on the different technologies and the concepts of the studies done in the field. I loved learn about exons and introns. If you know what that is your awesome. I also loved to do the pedigrees. All in all it was a good experience.

Magnolia Research- Tiffany

Over the course of our biotechnology class, we have learned basic biotech concepts and have conducted various labs such as PCR, gel electrophesis, DNA extraction, Southern Blotting, and E.Coli transformations. These have grown our understanding of biotechnology and have prepared us for magnolia research. Currently, we have extracted DNA from Magnolia virginiana leaf samples we collected from our population. Tomorrow we will take this DNA and conduct a PCR amplification with four ISSR primers. Our goal is to then take the samples and create a gel electrophesis ISSR baseline banding pattern. Hopefully all of our leaves within our population will have the same banding pattern, if not, the project's next goal will be to create an intrapopulation study to determine the variation within the population. After this is finished, our samples will then be compared to coastal Magnolia virginiana banding patterns which will be determined with further research. This lab is incredibly interesting and it has helped me prepare for college research.

Jacob

During this semester in Biotechnology we learned many new lab techniques in order to perform our research on the Magnolia virgianiana species, located in Columbus, NC. Through numerous labs we learned to extract and compare DNA from Magnolia species. This class is very lab oriented and is an excellent way to learn about STR,VNTR,ISSR, and other methods of DNA comparisons. I can now use the techniques I learned in this class to succed in other microbiology based classes that I may take in the future.

Matthew's ponderings about the past semester in Intro to Biotech

Over the past semester we have learned everything from bacterial transformations to PCR projects. Everything we have done in this class has lead up to the Magnolia Detectives main cause of experimenting with Magnolia virginiana. The labs that we have done will be valuable experience for the future when I go into the science field. These have taught me how to conduct labs in an actual lab environment with actual equipment. All this experience is allowing us to extract magnolia DNA use PCR to obtain more, and use gel electrophoresis to examine our results. This would not have been possible without the amount of time we have put into this class. I can't wait to continue using my knowledge gained in this class later on in college.

--Matthew

Calvin's Reflections

The class has been quite a journey. From starting in the begining with quite a disadvantage, having not taken AP Biology, to being confident in my ability to use restriction enzymes, perform gel electrophoresis, PCR and many other vauluable skills used in the biotechnology field. I'm sad to say that our class can't see the project through to the end but I will be sure to keep up with it on our website!

-Calvin

My experiences in biotech-Flynn

Mrs. Allsbrook's Intro to Biotechnology class has helped me understand the concepts of many DNA related experiments such as DNA fingerprinting and bacterial transformtion. With this knowledge I am now able to understand many things I see in everyday life throughout the media and conversing with people in college and in the work force about modern application of biotechnology. The Magnolia Project is a culmination of all the labs and experiments we performed during the class. We needed to know all the things we do now to perform adequate research for the Magnolia Project. Overall the Intro to Biotechnology class has given me a foundation in biotechnology that will greatly help me if I pursue a field in biotechnology in college. Even if I do not further pursue biotechnology, this class has given me valuable insights into many modern, controversial issues of our day revolving around organisms and their manipulation.

My Experiences in Biotechnology- Jessica

The main benefit that I gained from this class was the hands on experience in conducting experiments including DNA fingerprinting, gel electrophoresis, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Being able to use micropipets, a thermocycler, a vertical gel electrophoresis chamber, etc. was an opportunity that I had not been given in any other class during my time in high school. This prepared me for the type of hands on atmosphere of science courses in college, and further helped me to learn procedures and ways of thinking that will ultimately benefit me in my career. I intend to major in biochemistry while at college, and this class not only provided me with the level of information I will be expected to know, it provided me with a knowledge of current events that are now happening in the field. This course, unlike many of my other classes, held a real world connection. Everything I learned I will be applying in the future. I also gained experience in the application of knowledge, with the Magnolia virginiana project. As a class, we traveled to collect leaves from a sight in our county, and then back in the classroom we used the leaves to isolate DNA. We will soon be taking this DNA and running PCR to make a DNA fingerprint specific to the Magnolia trees in our county.

Overview of the Magnolia Detectives Project

     Polk County High School has embarked on a real-world research project wherein students in the Introduction to Biotechnology class are learning DNA manipulation techniques in order to solve a Polk County mystery.  Mr. John Vining, pictured, of the Polk County Cooperative Extension Center asked PCHS to help determine the closest genetics relatives to a local stand of Sweetbay Magnolia, also known as Magnolia virginiana.  This species is usually found in coastal regions.  Polk County is located in Western North Carolina and the local population of Sweetbay Magnolia represents the western-most out-population for the range of this species.
     PCHS students directed by Jennifer Allsbrook will attempt over the next several semesters to address the Magnolia mystery.  Adding to this blog, my students will explain some of the laboratory techniques and protocols that they have learned while working as Magnolia Detectives!

Follow the Magnolia Detectives as we strive to solve this mystery and visit our home page at http://www.pchsmagnoliadetectives.org