Trip to LifeTech

The day started off with an interesting introductory presentation, during which we were exposed to many of Life Tech's products, including some innovative and interesting ones like laboratory equipment involved in DNA sequencing and analysis. Additionally, we were given a more comprehensive understanding of Life Tech as a whole and its significance in many major fields today. 

During the trip, I managed to learn about how DNA is sequenced and analysed, namely by the processes of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and gel electrophoresis respectively. I learnt that PCR involves using DNA polymerase and primers to replicate strands of DNA and mass-produce the specific gene of interest. Subsequently, it is analysed with gel electrophoresis, which works like a chromatography and can separate DNA strands by mass, allowing for easy identification of the gene and also to confirm that the gene of interest has successfully been amplified. I also learnt about the applications of DNA sequencing, such as in targeted drug therapies

I also managed to learn about how the above is done in a laboratory, and several of the lab processes involved in DNA sequencing. For example, I was made aware of the distinction between the conventional PCR (cPCR) machine and the real-time PCR (RT-PCR) machine. The cPCR machine is smaller, cheaper and more portable, while the RT-PCR gives the added function of being able to provide instantaneous feedback regarding the amplification of the gene. I also learnt how to do a PCR and subsequent gel electrophoresis by myself, as well as the safety precautions in doing so. 

For my part, I found the trip quite enjoyable as well, and I enjoyed discovering that Life Tech had its own Youtube channel. I even memorised one of the songs there before the trip - "Ph. Diva and the Mystery Band" - and was pleasantly surprised to discover that it was relevant to the content I learnt that day. In fact, I was singing the song under my breath for almost the whole duration of the trip, such was my fascination. 

This trip was very informative, and I look forward to similar experiences in the future.