The Detection of Mutations in Human Chromosome 8

Project Information Page

Grade Category: 10-12

Team Size: 1

Subject Area: Health Sciences

Project Type: Experimental/Innovative

Language: English

A Summary of the project:

This project deals with the following issues:

1. With the increase in the production of nuclear energy, the probability of radiation exposure on humans is high. The question is: WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF AN ACCIDENTAL RADIATION EXPOSURE?

2. HOW MUCH RADIATION IS TOO MUCH FOR?
o employees, in nuclear power plants.
o the common man, who could be affected due to an accidental radiation exposure.

3. To calculate the dose of radiation exposure, at present, methods are only available to test for interchromosomal mutations (between 2 chromosomes). No methods are available to test for intrachromosomal mutations (within 1 chromosome). WHAT IS THE MOST EFFECTIVE WAY TO TEST FOR MUTATIONS THAT OCCUR IN CHROMOSOMES?

A description of the Software Tools used: Macromedia Dreamweaver and Macromedia Fireworks.

A mention of the Hardware Tools used: Can be seen in the section materials used.

A mention of the Source of the Idea for the project: Self and Atomic Energy Canada Ltd (AECL) and Ontario cancer Institute (OCI).

A listing of any Awards won for the project:

¨ Awarded $1500 Scholarship for representing National Science Fair at Vancouver.
¨ Won First Prize at Durham Regional Science Fair.
¨ Received $1000 Scholarship from University of Ottawa for Excellent project at the Regional Science Fair.
¨ Pfitzer Prize – plaque for exceptional project at the Science fair.
¨ Ontario Association of Medical Laboratories Award for innovative Laboratory Science project.
¨ Achieved Award of Merit at BioTech Challenge, Toronto fair.
¨ Received Honorary Mention in Science Essays Awards Program Dupont Challenge
¨ Won Torbicki Award for Outstanding Biology related project at AECL, Deep River.