Molecular Biology Students Immerse Themselves in Research Projects

Mrs. Wleklinski's Advanced Student Research on Molecular Biology class has been gaining hands-on experience both inside and outside the lab as they work on their year-long research projects. 

In the first part of the course, the students conduct experiments on a research topic of their choice.  After months of research, they prepare a final research poster with their findings. At the end of the year, they present their poster at a symposium in the science rotunda of the Upper School. Along the way, they pick up essential molecular biology skills, such as analyzing DNA sequences and interpreting data. 

One group of students in this year's class is studying the effects of UV radiation on fruit flies. They are exposing the flies to varying levels of UV radiation and observing the impact it has on mutation rates, fertility, mortality, and DNA integrity. 

Meanwhile, a second group is investigating the effect of pesticides on the expression of Brassinolide, a hormone crucial for plant reproduction. The students have been making use of our greenhouse on campus to grow Arabidopsis, a flowering plant often studied in biology classrooms, which they have exposed to different pesticide treatments. They aim to determine whether these chemicals interfere with hormone production in the plants.

Whatever their findings may be, we look forward to seeing Mrs. Wleklinski’s students present in the spring and discovering where their research has led them!