lluminate transcription and translation with the BioBits® cell-free system in this innovative classroom-sized kit!
BioBits® pellets are tiny molecular factories that can create proteins without the need for cell culture.
When dry, BioBits® pellets are dormant, but they can be activated by simply adding water.
Researchers have been using cell-free reactions in their laboratories for years, with applications ranging from novel therapeutic discovery to field diagnostics.
Now the BioBits® cell-free system makes this cutting-edge technology accessible to anyone interested in learning molecular biology.
With minimal equipment requirements and a quick and straightforward protocol, students will use the BioBits® system to visualise the flow of genetic information and monitor transcription and translation in real-time through fluorescence.
This activity serves as an excellent interactive tool for learning molecular biology’s central dogma and exposes students to cutting-edge synthetic biology.
Key info and benefits:
- Techniques: Micropipetting, fluorescence detection, cell-free technology
- Topics: Central dogma of molecular biology, transcription and translation, protein synthesis, gene expression, fluorescence, biotechnology, synthetic biology
- Time required: 30 minutes during one class period followed by 10 minutes for observation 8-72 hour later
- Level: High school to university
- The Central Dogma kit contains reagents for 8 lab groups of up to 4 students each (32 students).
Kit includes:
- 32 BioBits® pellets in 8-tube PCR strips
- DNA Sample A
- DNA Sample B
- Nuclease-Free Water
- Kanamycin
Notes:
- See resources below to download the teacher's guide and student guide for this lab. Contact Southern Biological for answers key.
- A thermal cycler is advised for the heating steps, available as a mini 8 or mini 16 machine, otherwise a waterbath or incubator, or even body heat.
- The fluorescence can be detected on a blueGel electrophoresis apparatus, a blue box transilluminator or a molecular fluorescence viewer.
- Micropipettes (recommended 2-20uL) and tips are needed but not supplied.
- These DNA samples require frozen storage, which will keep them stable for six months.
- If a freezer is not available, the pellets are stable for three months in a refrigerator
