Students Use Biotechnology in Classroom

Juniors in the Agricultural Business Management class at Riverdale High School got first-hand experience with gel electrophoresis thanks to the Ag Biotech Academy and GrowNextGen Network. Agricultural Educator Nicole Steinmetz attended the Ag Biotech Academy last summer and received the specialized supplies needed to conduct the lab in her classroom.

Electrophoresis is used in laboratories to separate macromolecules based on size allowing scientists to analyze DNA. Students applied this concept to how soybeans can be improved with this technology, comparing the DNA structure of a soybean with that of a Roundup Ready Soybean. By using electrophoresis, students were able to see the molecules separate and gain a new appreciation for biotechnology in agriculture.