4.08: Genetic Park: DNA Application

*Fred - purple text

Genie says: Genetic Park has a very sophisticated, high security laboratory center. The security is as much for the public’s protection as it is for the protection of the stuff inside. There are all kinds of things in a lab that can cause harm, so “hands off please.” Let’s go meet our guide, Fred, (short for Frederica) for a tour of the cancer lab. I'll leave you in her good hands for just a moment as I step out to confirm our next activity. I'll meet you up on Level 2. See you in a minute. Fred says: Hi Everyone, come, right this way. The lab has several levels. We're here on Level 1, the Biohazards area, where Genetic Engineers are working with deadly viruses and bacteria. You don't have to worry though, the dangerous stuff is very secure.

*Genie - green text

The engineers and scientists who work with the hazardous stuff have to wear some pretty amazing clothes to keep the "bugs" off of them and in the lab instead of out here with us. They study the genetic make up of these "bugs" to help create vaccines and antibiotics.

Take a left here and up the stairs. Ok, now, here on Level 2 is the Cancer Research section. In this section of the lab scientists are studying the genes of different plants that hold the potential to treat cancer patients. Let's take a turn right down that hall and go into the first lab, that's where Genie is to meet us.

Genie says: Oh my heavens, Look at this place! Fred, what is going on? What happened?

Fred says: Genie, I'm not sure, but I'm going have to cut the tour of the cancer lab short. It looks like we've had a theft of some important materials. I'll have to call in our Genetic Park security and CSI to gather evidence for an investigation.

We have been working with a promising cancer treatment. The drug comes from the "pacific yew" tree. This tree produces a substance used in a new chemotherapy treatment called Taxol. It is very expensive to make, but scientist are working on ways to make it in a lab and reduce the cost. The thief took several of our research notes and samples. The loss of this valuable research could set us back months, and the people who need it might not get their less expensive treatment.

Genie says: Hey Fred, we can help! We have a sharp crowd here that would like to learn how to analyze any DNA evidence the CSI team recovers.

Fred says: Great! Already our forensic detectives have found a hair at the crime scene. Hair is a great way to get DNA. Hair contains cells and cells have DNA! Because the lab researchers wear masks and hair coverings, it is not likely it came from one of them. However, we are going to test them along with our other suspects. The park security caught a worker with a fake ID and now has him in questioning.

Genie says: Help us solve the mystery and find the person who stole this information. Put on your lab coat.It is time for some real science!

Let's head to the lab.

Continue exploring Genetic Park by clicking the Travel Log tab.