Assessor Resource

AHCSDT408
Perform an electrophoresis test on a seed sample

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to test seed by separating proteins of varying size and/or electric charge to get a banding pattern that can be used to identify or verify a particular variety.

It applies to senior seed analysts who analyse information and exercise judgement to complete a range of advanced skilled activities and who demonstrate deep knowledge in a specific technical area. They have accountability for the work of others and analyse, design and communicate solutions to a range of complex problems. All work is carried out to comply with workplace procedures.

No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)


Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

Element

Performance criteria

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Prepare seed extraction and gel

1.1 Prepare working sample from submitted sample

1.2 Identify seed to be tested and complete records

1.3 Cut or crush single seeds and transfer to centrifuge tubes

1.4 Add extraction solution and mix with crushed seeds and allow to stand for prescribed period

1.5 Centrifuge tubes and collect and store supernatants

1.6 Prepare gel mixture and chemicals and use to achieve required level of polymerisation

2. Carry out electrophoresis

2.1 Place buffer solution in tanks

2.2 Load samples into wells and place gel in tanks

2.3 Carry out electrophoresis at the prescribed voltage and duration

2.4 Maintain temperature as required throughout the process

3. Fix and stain sample

3.1 Remove gel from tank and treat with chemicals as prescribed

3.2 Wash gel and treat to enhance stain

3.3 Examine and/or photograph stain

4. Evaluate stain

4.1 Compare banding pattern with that of an authentic variety or that of a known control sample

4.2 Provide records and reports

4.3 Determine if obvious procedure or equipment problems have led to atypical data or results

5. Maintain a safe work environment

5.1 Use established safe work practices and personal protective equipment

5.2 Minimise the generation of wastes and environmental impacts

5.3 Ensure the safe collection of laboratory and hazardous waste for subsequent disposal

5.4 Care for and store equipment and reagents

6. Maintain laboratory records

6.1 Enter approved data into laboratory information management system

6.2 Maintain confidentiality and security of enterprise information and laboratory data

The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit in a workplace setting. Performance must be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.

The candidate must provide evidence that they can:

extract seed and prepare gel

centrifuge seed and gel mixes

interpret stain bands and patterns

test seed by separating proteins of varying size and/or electric charge

enter data into laboratory information management system

maintain confidentiality and security of information and data

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

enterprise standard operating procedures (SOPs)

materials and apparatus used in electrophoresis testing

principles of electrophoresis

range of electrophoresis testing procedures

relevant health, safety and environment requirements

seed biology

the role of the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) and the ISTA Rules for Seed Testing

using stain patterns and ‘fingerprints’ to determine seed variety

Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs.

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Element

Performance criteria

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Prepare seed extraction and gel

1.1 Prepare working sample from submitted sample

1.2 Identify seed to be tested and complete records

1.3 Cut or crush single seeds and transfer to centrifuge tubes

1.4 Add extraction solution and mix with crushed seeds and allow to stand for prescribed period

1.5 Centrifuge tubes and collect and store supernatants

1.6 Prepare gel mixture and chemicals and use to achieve required level of polymerisation

2. Carry out electrophoresis

2.1 Place buffer solution in tanks

2.2 Load samples into wells and place gel in tanks

2.3 Carry out electrophoresis at the prescribed voltage and duration

2.4 Maintain temperature as required throughout the process

3. Fix and stain sample

3.1 Remove gel from tank and treat with chemicals as prescribed

3.2 Wash gel and treat to enhance stain

3.3 Examine and/or photograph stain

4. Evaluate stain

4.1 Compare banding pattern with that of an authentic variety or that of a known control sample

4.2 Provide records and reports

4.3 Determine if obvious procedure or equipment problems have led to atypical data or results

5. Maintain a safe work environment

5.1 Use established safe work practices and personal protective equipment

5.2 Minimise the generation of wastes and environmental impacts

5.3 Ensure the safe collection of laboratory and hazardous waste for subsequent disposal

5.4 Care for and store equipment and reagents

6. Maintain laboratory records

6.1 Enter approved data into laboratory information management system

6.2 Maintain confidentiality and security of enterprise information and laboratory data

The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit in a workplace setting. Performance must be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.

The candidate must provide evidence that they can:

extract seed and prepare gel

centrifuge seed and gel mixes

interpret stain bands and patterns

test seed by separating proteins of varying size and/or electric charge

enter data into laboratory information management system

maintain confidentiality and security of information and data

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

enterprise standard operating procedures (SOPs)

materials and apparatus used in electrophoresis testing

principles of electrophoresis

range of electrophoresis testing procedures

relevant health, safety and environment requirements

seed biology

the role of the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) and the ISTA Rules for Seed Testing

using stain patterns and ‘fingerprints’ to determine seed variety

Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs.
Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Prepare working sample from submitted sample 
Identify seed to be tested and complete records 
Cut or crush single seeds and transfer to centrifuge tubes 
Add extraction solution and mix with crushed seeds and allow to stand for prescribed period 
Centrifuge tubes and collect and store supernatants 
Prepare gel mixture and chemicals and use to achieve required level of polymerisation 
Place buffer solution in tanks 
Load samples into wells and place gel in tanks 
Carry out electrophoresis at the prescribed voltage and duration 
Maintain temperature as required throughout the process 
Remove gel from tank and treat with chemicals as prescribed 
Wash gel and treat to enhance stain 
Examine and/or photograph stain 
Compare banding pattern with that of an authentic variety or that of a known control sample 
Provide records and reports 
Determine if obvious procedure or equipment problems have led to atypical data or results 
Use established safe work practices and personal protective equipment 
Minimise the generation of wastes and environmental impacts 
Ensure the safe collection of laboratory and hazardous waste for subsequent disposal 
Care for and store equipment and reagents 
Enter approved data into laboratory information management system 
Maintain confidentiality and security of enterprise information and laboratory data 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

AHCSDT408 - Perform an electrophoresis test on a seed sample
Assessment task 1: [title]

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Assessment Record Sheet

AHCSDT408 - Perform an electrophoresis test on a seed sample

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Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

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