Duration: 30 minutes
Max. Number of Participants: 15
Summary:
DNA, the basic carrier of genetic information in cells that controls the development and functioning of living organisms, is susceptible to damage by various external and internal factors. In this workshop, students will be introduced to some experimental methods that allow DNA damage in cells to be monitored. A common method is the so-called “comet assay”, which allows the leakage of DNA fragments from the cell nucleus after its damage to be visualized. The resulting image resembles a comet with a tail, the length and intensity of which reflect the degree of DNA damage. Since cells have developed specialized repair mechanisms that constantly scan DNA and repair the resulting damage, DNA damage can also be detected indirectly.
For this purpose, immunofluorescence methods are used that reveal the sites where the cell is trying to repair damaged DNA. Participants will be able to try analyzing images of cells from a fluorescence microscope, identify cells that have damaged DNA and determine the index/degree of DNA damage.