From September, a group of students in Year 12 have been taking part in the Daffodil DNA project at school Mondays and Tuesdays.

Developed from a Royal Society Partnership Grant Project, this collaborative school-based research project is brought together by the following: The University of Dundee Education and Social Work; The University of Dundee Botanic Garden; The University of Dundee School of Life Sciences; The Royal Society; The James Hutton Institute; schools across Scotland, supported by Jon Hale and uses living collections from the National Trust for Scotland, Brodie Castle and Croft 16.

The nine schools involved in this project are working in parallel to obtain genetic data on a very understudied, yet valuable
genus. We are working with STEM professionals and academics to grow various daffodil varieties, extracting DNA from their leaves. By undertaking this study into the genetic and trait diversity of daffodils, students will be gaining experience of using DNA sequencing in their classroom and contributing data points to the tree of life. The project has exceptional curriculum links throughout the A Level Curriculum, but it is the potential for students to engage with cutting edge technology that will hopefully inspire them to continue with a career in Science.

We have experimented with simple DNA extraction techniques, learning how to extract chloroplasts and perform simple DNA extractions from a diverse range of fruits such as blueberries and bananas as well as soft tissue plant leaves using the DNA precipitation method with ethanol and protease. This experiment allowed us to develop our skills so we could get better over time for when we do the actual experiment.

In more recent news, we replanted our daffodils moving them from their initial home at the back of a classroom to the outside where they will receive better sunlight for them to grow and blossom ready for us to extract DNA from. We are on schedule with our experiments and research, having set up our protocols and methods; we students are ready to tackle the next stage of this academic journey.

QUOTES FROM OUR STUDENTS

“Daffodil DNA is an illuminating journey that is helping me advance my knowledge and interests in the field of biology in ways I have never thought before.” John

“Daffodil DNA has helped me learn better teamwork skills where I can take charge where necessary and follow instructions to allow access to the best results attainable” Imogen

“Daffodil DNA is helping me apply my knowledge from my biology lessons into real-life research and vice versa where I link my Daff DNA knowledge to lessons allowing me to be ahead” Lucas

“Daffodil DNA has allowed me to improve my communication skills where I had to communicate between the two groups to develop our project” Aidan

With the recent arrival of essential chemicals, the project is set for further advancements. Next week, we will conduct DNA extraction and gel electrophoresis from our steadily growing Daffodils - specifically the Narcissus and Dutch Master varieties.

Furthermore, six of our students will be attending the Summer Science Exhibition on July 3rd and 4th. This is an exciting opportunity for them to display their research and explain to both students and scientists alike.