This dye electrophoresis lab introduces students to forensic DNA analysis, and is inspired by the real-life historical mystery of the Princes in the Tower. In 1483, two English princes vanished, and their remains might have been found. Students use gel electrophoresis to perform forensic DNA analysis from two pairs of unidentified remains speculated to be the lost princes, along with the remains of the princes’ parents.
Based on authentic forensic biotechnology, this lab is a fun and engaging introduction to DNA analysis and gel electrophoresis.
The Princes in the Tower Dye Electrophoresis Lab features:
- Safe, non-toxic dyes that are directly visible without gel staining
- Pre-aliquoted samples for easy prep
- Gel electrophoresis reagents included: TBE electrophoresis buffer and 8 Agarose Tabs™
- Compatible with Bandit™, blueGel™, and traditional gel electrophoresis systems
- A low-cost jumping-off point to explore forensics and biotechnology
Lab at a glance:
- Techniques: Micropipetting, Gel electrophoresis
- Topics: Forensics, Genetics, Biotechnology
- Level: Middle School, General high school
- Time required: 45 minutes
This lab kit provides enough reagents for eight lab groups:
- 8 Load Ready™ Strips (tube strips containing pre-aliquoted dye samples)
- TBE electrophoresis buffer powder to make 600mL
- 8 Agarose Tabs™
Supplied by user:
- Distilled or deionized H2O (to dissolve TBE buffer)
- Gel electrophoresis system (lab is compatible with Bandit™, blueGel™, or other gel electrophoresis systems)
- Variable volume micropipettes, or fixed-volume minipettes, and tips
Required equipment:
- 2-20 μL variable volume or 10 μl fixed volume micropipettes and tips
- Gel electrophoresis system (Bandit™, blueGel™, or other gel electrophoresis systems)
Storage notes:
- Reagents are stable for at least twelve months at room temperature
