(1) DNA extraction and DNA fingerprints in animal and plant tissues

24-27th March 1997. Research & Training Center on Vectors of Diseases (RTC), Ain Shams University, Cairo

The workshop introduced the fundamentals of molecular biology and the use of molecular tools in animal and plant systematic and ecology. Generally, molecular tools are based on three basic techniques: RFLP analysis, PCR and sequencing. What are the advantages and disadvantages of these techniques? and what are the universally applicable tools in systematic and ecology?. These two questions were the main task of the workshop. The practical part concentrated on DNA extraction and RAPD analysis using different organisms (i.e. insects, animals, plants and microorganisms).

Monday 24th:

• 1. Introduction to Molecular Biology (lecture)
• 2. PCR theory and application (lecture)
• 3. Population variation in Alkanna orientalis (lecture)

Tuesday 25th:

• DNA extraction (lecture)
• DNA extraction from different animal and plant tissues (practical)

Wednesday 26th:

• The technique of RAPDs (lecture)
• Gel electrophoresis of DNA isolated on Tuesday (practical)
• Estimation of DNA quality and quantity (practical)
• Setting up of PCR (practical)

Thursday 27th:

• Analysis of PCR products on computer.
• Discussion of data analysis.