Does baby Marie have sickle cell disease?
Students are presented with a fictional family’s medical history and must work to make a genetic diagnosis. The family depicted in this lab, the Robinson family, has two children, one of whom has had an initial test result indicating possible sickle cell disease.
Key info and benefits:
- Techniques utilised: DNA gel electrophoresis
- Time required: Can be completed in one 45 minute class
- Suggested skill level: High school to university
- The Sickle Cell Genetics Lab kit contains DNA samples for 8 lab groups of up to 5 students each (40 students). These DNA samples are compatible with blueGel™ or other standard DNA electrophoresis systems.
- Exposes students to the fundamental principles of DNA analysis. Students will gain familiarity with DNA separation techniques and engage in determining DNA fragment size to obtain a genetic diagnosis.
Kit includes:
- 4 DNA samples for fingerprinting analysis (approx. 150 uL)
- 1 tube of DNA molecular weight marker (DNA Ladder) (approx. 100 uL)
- See notes for extra requirements
Notes:
- See resources below to download the lab teacher's guide and student guide. Contact Southern Biological for answers key.
- This kit provides DNA samples and DNA ladder and only. To perform this lab, you will require electrophoresis equipment; such as electrophoresis chamber, agarose, TBE buffer and Midori green gel stain. Our electrophoresis starter kit contains the hardware and reagents required.
- For best results, we recommend running your gels in the blueGel electrophoresis chamber. If you do not have a blueGel electrophoresis unit with built-in illuminator, we have a transilluminator onto which you can place your gels to visualise your results immediately after the electrophoresis run is complete.
- These DNA samples require frozen storage, which will keep them stable for 12 months. They are stable for a couple of weeks at room temperature.
