BioQuisitive PCR and Pizza Night: December Edition

Event: PCR & Pizza Night at BioQuisitive

Date: Thursday 5 December 2024

Time: Doors open 5pm, workshop starts 5:30pm. Feel free to drop in any time though!

Location: BioQuisitive Lab, Building B, 420 Victoria St, Brunswick, VIC, 3056

Description:

Uncover the hidden identities of your favourite foods at BioQuisitive’s PCR & Pizza Night! This hands-on event is perfect for science enthusiasts and food lovers alike, offering a unique opportunity to use cutting-edge genetic techniques to identify the ingredients in your meal. No experience? No dramas! This is a very informal (clearly) night we run monthly to introduce people interested in BioQuisitive to the lab.

During the evening, you’ll learn how to use Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) with DNA barcoding primers such as:

• ITS (Internal Transcribed Spacer): Commonly used to identify fungi and plants.
• COI (Cytochrome c oxidase I): The go-to primer for animal species identification.
• rbcL (Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase large subunit): A key marker for identifying plant species.

These barcoding primers allow us to amplify and analyse specific DNA sequences, helping us discern the different biological ingredients present in our food. From the mushrooms on your pizza to the herbs in the sauce, this event will reveal the true identity of your meal at the molecular level!

What to Expect:

• An introduction to DNA barcoding and its applications in food science.
• Hands-on experience with PCR using ITS, COI, rbcL, and other relevant primers.
• Real-time analysis of DNA samples to identify the species present in various pizza ingredients.
• Expert guidance on interpreting your results and understanding the broader implications of DNA barcoding.
• Networking opportunities with fellow science enthusiasts and foodies.
• Delicious pizza and beverages to enjoy while you uncover its genetic secrets!

Who Should Attend:

• Students, professionals, and hobbyists interested in genetics, food science, and molecular biology.
• Food enthusiasts curious about the ingredients in their favourite dishes.
• Anyone who enjoys a fun, educational experience with a slice of pizza on the side.

With a big thanks to:

• Green Acre Pizza Bar for providing the delicious noms
  
• Rocky Ridge brewery for providing the tasty beverages
  
• Our founding partner Merri-Bek council for their ongoing support