Find Plastic-Degrading Bacteria via Sequencing Simulation

The activity below was contributed by Angie Beckett during our podcast interview and created by Josephine Herbert and Samuel Robson.

DNA sequencing is a powerful tool that allows scientists to understand the genetic makeup of organisms, including bacteria that can degrade plastic. By examining the DNA sequences, researchers can identify specific genes that enable these bacteria to break down plastic materials. This process involves decoding the DNA to reveal the order of the nucleotides, which are represented by different colors in this activity. By simulating this process, participants will gain a hands-on understanding of how scientists identify and analyze plastic-degrading bacteria in the lab.

Understanding the genetic basis of plastic degradation is crucial for developing biotechnological solutions to plastic pollution. Bacteria with the ability to break down plastics can be engineered and utilized in recycling processes, reducing environmental waste. This activity will simulate the discovery and identification of such bacteria through a fun and interactive approach, using eggs, color codes, and building blocks to represent DNA sequences.

Materials

• Bacteria – plastic eggs or small container for sequences
• Decorations – markers or stickers for decorating the eggs
• Sequences – different printed color blocks in a row in order of sequence (according to the DNA Key Chart)
• Legos – in same colors as sequences to build them
• Printable Documents found in Google Drive Folder for Activity (thanks to Angie Beckett, Josephine Herbert, and Samuel Robson for these materials!)
  • Sequences Color Chart – document with sequences to print out
  • DNA Key Chart – shows which color sequences correspond to plastic-degrading genes
  • Activity Background Info – How do enzymes work

Instructions

Preparation

1. Create Bacteria Eggs:
   • Decorate the plastic eggs or egg carton sections to represent different bacteria. You can add eyes, smiles, or other features to give them personality.
   • Inside each egg, place paper sequences arranged in a specific color sequence (see Sequences Color Chart). This represents the DNA code of the bacteria.
2. DNA Key Chart:
   • Print the DNA Key Chart, which contains “The Library” of different color sequences and indicates if the bacteria can degrade plastic or not.

Activity Steps

1. Distribute Materials:
   • Give each participant a bacteria egg.
2. Break Open the Bacteria:
   • Participants break open their eggs to reveal the DNA code inside, represented by the paper sequences.
3. Build the sequence:
   • Participants take their paper DNA sequence and build it with Legos.
4. Match to the Key:
   • Participants then take their Lego-built DNA sequence to the DNA Key Chart and match the color sequence to determine if their bacteria can degrade plastic or not.
5. Discussion:
   • Gather participants and discuss the results. Which bacteria had the plastic-degrading genes? How do scientists use DNA sequencing in real-world applications to solve environmental problems?

Wrap-Up

This activity not only teaches participants about DNA sequencing and genetic analysis but also highlights the importance of scientific research in addressing global challenges like plastic pollution. By engaging in this hands-on simulation, participants will gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities of genetic research and the innovative solutions being developed to create a more sustainable future.