GTAC EXCURSION – ADVANCED MICROSCOPY

The Unit 1 Biology class recently attended a full day workshop at the Gene Technology Access Centre (GTAC) in Parkville.

The day was about the cell and microscopy.  Students learnt about how poorly functioning mitochondria really affect the function of the whole body.  The boys prepared four microscope slides using a variety of staining techniques, including triple fluorescence.  The boys saw bacteria, guard cells, mouse embryonic fibroblasts and watched paramecium feeding on yeast.  The microscopes involved were up to the value of $80 000, and the boys were mentored by three scientists in the fields of entomology and immunology.  It was an excellent experience for the boys and they all learned important microscopy skills and about cell functioning.

Ms Delanie Lewis