Molly the Labradoodle has surprised you with a litter of puppies! Students will use gel electrophoresis to examine the link between genotype and phenotype in Molly’s puppies. By tracking the inheritance of a single trait, students can determine the puppies’ father. This lab allows you to cover Mendelian genetics and the relationship between genotype and phenotype using an engaging and adorable case study. An extension activity allows students to practice tracking the inheritance of multiple genes that affect dog coats.
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 puppy DNA samples (Astro, Buster, Chewy, Daisy, Elsa, Flora, Ginger, Hugo)
- 1 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.
