Genetic testing is not the future - it’s the present!
Engage your students with a hands-on gel electrophoresis lab where they will analyse DNA samples from members of a fictional family to diagnose Lynch syndrome, a hereditary cancer risk, and track the inheritance through pedigree analysis.
Extension activities include a role play centred on genetic testing to introduce students to bioethics.
Key info and benefits:
- Techniques: Micropipetting, gel electrophoresis
- Topics: Genetic testing, inheritance, pedigrees, cancer, bioethics
- 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 optimised for blueGel™ electrophoresis systems. For post-staining techniques, more sample may be required per well.
- Reinforces how molecular tools allow healthcare providers to diagnose hard-to-distinguish infections.
Kit includes:
- 4 simulated patient DNA samples (Ariel, Bethany, Caleb, Devorah)
- Fast DNA Ladder 1
Notes:
- This kit provides DNA samples and DNA ladder
- To perform this lab, you will require electrophoresis equipment; such as electrophoresis chamber, agarose, TBE buffer and Midori green gel stain, 2-20 μl variable volume micropipettes or 10 μl fixed volume micropipettes, tips
- 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, or a Bandit unit paired with a Viewit illumination kit.
- 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.
