Scientists working in the forests of Madagascar may have rediscovered a species of lemur that was thought extinct. Analyse authentic field data and perform gel electrophoresis to make the call.
Bring your students on an expedition to Madagascar! Analyze morphological data and run electrophoresis gels to determine whether researchers have rediscovered a species of lemur once thought to be extinct.
- Analyze actual field data
- Construct phylogenetic trees from DNA sequence data
- Compare generalist and specialist species facing ecological change
A molecular evolution and ecology lab based directly on our collaborators’ published and unpublished research, this collaboration with the Duke Lemur Center was designed with the goal of bringing molecular techniques to Ecology and Evolution units. As either a quick, single-period gel running lab or a week-long mini-unit, this lab offers flexibility and high-quality curriculum.
Key info and benefits:
- Techniques: Micropipetting, gel electrophoresis
- Topics: Infectious disease, molecular and clinical diagnostics, evolution, biotechnology
- Time required: Can be completed in one 45-minute class period
- The miniPCR Forensics Lab kit contains DNA samples for 8 lab groups of up to 4 students each (32 students). These DNA samples are compatible with blueGel™ or other standard DNA electrophoresis systems.
- Reinforces how molecular tools allow healthcare providers to diagnose hard-to-distinguish infections.
Kit includes:
- 8 lemur DNA samples
- DNA molecular weight marker (Fast DNA Ladder 1)
Notes:
- This kit provides DNA samples, DNA ladder and gel loading dye 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.
