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UP Genetics Honours class participates in UP with SCIENCE

The University of Pretoria (UP) has been presenting the UP with Science programme for a number of years. It is aimed at Grade 10 to 12 school learners who are interested in science, and allows them to meet scientists at work, do a bit of research, go on excursions and learn and experience new things relating to science. Learners who successfully attend all the activities for three years qualify for tuition scholarships to study at UP. This year the Honours group from the Dept of Genetics was involved in hosting one of these events. Grade 10 learners from various schools were first included in a discussion about what Genetics is (and is not), and then spent the rest of the day in the laboratory. Some of the learners were very surprised to note that DNA is not in fact a gene, and that having two X chromosomes does not make you a mutant. One group was especially disappointed when they found out that no one has ever tried to take cat genes and put them in humans to enable us to see in the dark! However they were certainly not disappointed when they got the opportunity to extract their own DNA, using simple household products including Sunlight liquid and table salt. What’s more, they even got to take their own DNA home with them to show off to family and friends. The day was rounded up with a quick trip around the Department of Genetics and the Forestry and Agriculture Biotechnology Institute (FABI), the grade 10’s were amazed at the excellent facilities and catchy gadgets. All in all it was an excellent fun filled day of learning and trying new things and a day the grade 10 UP with Science learners will not forget in a hurry.