This dye electrophoresis lab connects traditional Mendelian genetics with our modern understanding of DNA and inheritance.

Students play the role of plant geneticists testing peas from Mendel’s notebook.

Gel electrophoresis is used to analyze simulated DNA samples from Mendel’s peas to examine how genetic differences control pea shape.

Mendel’s Peas Dye Electrophoresis Lab features:

• An engaging and accessible introduction to gel electrophoresis
• Safe, non-toxic dyes that are directly visible without gel staining
• Pre-aliquoted samples and premeasured agarose tablets 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 microbiology, biotechnology, and molecular identification!

This lab kit provides enough reagents for eight lab groups:

• 8 Load Ready™ Strips (tube strips containing pre-aliquoted dye samples)
• TBE electrophoresis buffer
• 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 (e.g., Bandit™, blueGel™, or other gel electrophoresis systems)

Storage notes:

• Reagents must be used within 12 months of shipment
• Agarose and buffer can be stored at room temperature
• Refrigeration is recommended for blue dye samples to prevent evaporation