By Nguyen Thi Thu Huong | Oct 17, 2023

In the Molecular Biology course, undergraduate students in the Food Technology program practiced using genetic markers to identify the differences in genotypes of individuals in the same species. The sessions were delivered by Dr. Le Son, Head of the Molecular Biology Department at the Institute of Forest Tree Improvement and Biotechnology - Vietnam Academy of Forest Sciences, and his laboratory technician, MSc. Nguyen Thi Huyen

 (Dr. Le Son explained the general theory of PCR and genetic markers)

Through the application of three ISSR (inter simple sequence repeat) markers to identify the genomic segments franked by inversed microsatellite sequence, students demonstrated the important techniques in molecular biology, including DNA extraction, primer design, polymerase chain reaction technique, agarose gel electrophoresis, gel imaging, and data analysis.

Students prepare the master mix for PCR with the support of the technician (first from left side)

The practice not only einforced the understanding of basic concepts in the Molecular Biology course but also equipped students with advanced updating techniques in the field. Said Mr. Lam, K52, it was interesting that we could identify the allele differences between samples within several hours, and the session helped us to visually understand the importance of the course in real-life circumstances.

(Filling PCR products into agarose wells was challenging)

The course combines lectures, problem solving, online tools, practice, and demo techniques to build capacity in molecular biology for further academic and professional performances. That reflects the key motto of AEP training, which is the integration of theory with practice and working skills.