Team:TzuChiU Formosa/Humanpractice/review

A review written by Dr. Chen Chun-Yao

Prof. Chun-Yao Chen
PhD in Comparative Biology
Cornell University, USA

Associate Professor
Department of Life Sciences
Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
Field : Bacteriology, Microbiology, Ecology


Is genetically modified crop (GMC) ecologically safe? More research is needed.
Chun-Yao Chen, Department of Life Science, Tzu-Chi University


This issue can be examined at four levels.


During the 1st day of the workshops, we managed to cover various aspects of synthetic biology, from the introduction of synthetic biology including the history, current applications and future directions as well as the iGEM competition. On the other hand, we also performed the basic techniques in molecular biology such as plasmid isolation, enzyme digestion, Polymerase Chain Reaction, gel electrophoresis, insert preparation, gel extraction, ligation and transformation, cloning, autoclaving, flaming, primer design, growth curves, as well as screening techniques to the participants.

The highlight of the event is the plasmid isolation and enzyme digestion workshop held on the 2nd day. All the participants were given a chance to perform in the activity. We, as the tutors assisted them throughout the whole process. By the end of the workshop, they learned to cut a plasmid with restriction enzyme, to paste DNA with ligase and PCR amplification.


↑2nd day of the workshop wet-lab day:


↑Ting-ting is explaining to her how to use a pippette


↑Andrew is demonstrating the step in the fume hood


↑Plasmid isolation


↑Ting-ting is assisting the participant to add TBE buffer