Are we mutants?!

This project aims to highlight the importance of mutations as a major source of genetic variation, essential for evolution, using an experimental approach.

Funded by Agência Ciência Viva – Agência Nacional para a Cultura Científica, in the context of the programme Escolher Ciência, this project aims to highlight the importance of mutations as a major source of genetic variation, essential for evolution, using an experimental approach. Focusing on the polymorphism found in humans, we will simulate the environment of a research centre: students will analyse the occurrence of polymorphism associated with the ability to taste bitter compounds, using PCR and restriction enzyme techniques, discuss the evolutionary significance of this phenotype and investigate the occurrence of other mutations in human evolution. Students reported the main results of this research in the form of poster that were exhibited in the Science Museum. The students' posters can also be lended to schools and are available on-line (in Portuguese).

Rita Campos (CIBIO-InBIO)

Miguel Gomes (Museu da Ciência da Universidade de Coimbra)

Paula Paiva (Escola Secundária José Falcão)

Maria João Gurito (Escola Secundária Avelar Brotero)

Paula Ferreira (Escola Secundária Infanta D. Maria)

Alice Figueiredo (Escola Secundária Infanta D. Maria)

Maria João Fonseca (CIBIO-InBIO)

2013-2014

CIBIO-InBIO, Museu de Ciência da Universidade de Coimbra, Escola Secundária José Falcão, Escola Secundária Avelar Brotero, Escola Secundária Infanta D. Maria