Variability, Inheritance, DNA Structure, and DNA Isolation

4 Labs: 1 CASE

This kit includes materials to complete four basic lab activities:

1. Introduction to Mendelian Inheritance, using maize as a model for the demonstration of dominant and recessive inheritance.
2. Observation of genetic mutations in Drosophila fruit flies.
3. Constructing DNA models Lab
4. DNA extraction from bananas.

Includes:

• Hybrid corn cobs
• Drosophila (dead) with assorted mutations
• "Bug Box" magnifiers for Drosophila observations
• Popsicle sticks, masking tape and wire for DNA models
• Ethanol, soap buffer solution, banana baby food, plastic loops
• Screw cap plastic test tubes, tube racks, plastic droppers, tube labels
• Water bath with thermometer

NOTE: Teacher is responsible for labeling tubes and aliquoting solutions for the DNA extraction. All pertinent worksheets, protocols and observation sheets can be printed from the Lab Center at: http://www.dnalc.org/labcenter/harlem/.

Bacterial Transformation or Protein Isolation

Observe first-hand that genes code for traits! Using a plasmid vector, harmless E.coli bacteria are transformed with the GFP (Green Fluorescent Protein) gene, normally found in the Pacific jellyfish Aequoria Victoria. If successful, the bacteria will produce the bioluminescent jellyfish protein, and glow! This experiment utilizes techniques used by pharmaceutical companies to make human proteins such as Insulin. By special request only, an additional set of materials can be included to extract and purify GFP from transformed bacteria. Includes:

• Micropipets and sterile tips
• Bacteria, plasmids, Luria Broth, calcium chloride
• Petri dishes with LB agar and LB agar plus ampicillin (antibiotic)
• Waterbath with thermometer
• Sterile glass beads for bacterial spreading
• 1.5 ml tubes, labels, tube racks, markers, plastic beakers

NOTE: Teacher is responsible for labeling tubes and aliquoting solutions for this lab, and must supply ice during lab and bleach for clean-up. Teacher must have a refrigerator to store reagents and Petri dishes. All pertinent worksheets, protocols and observation sheets can be printed from the Lab Center at: http://www.dnalc.org/labcenter/harlem/.

DNA Analysis and Forensics

1 Lab, 3 CASES

In this lab, students use the same techniques that scientists and detectives use to analyze DNA. DNA is digested by EcoRI, Hind III and "mystery" restriction enzymes. The resulting DNA fragments and their unique gel patterns or "fingerprints" are analyzed by gel electrophoresis, and the "mystery" enzyme is indentified. Includes:

• Micropipets and sterile tips
• Water bath and thermometer
• 1.5 ml tubes, labels, tube racks, markers, plastic beakers
• Gel electrophoresis chambers and power supplies
• Microcentrifuge
• Digital camera with UV transilluminator
• Bacteriophage Lambda DNA, restriction enzymes, restriction buffer, dH2O, 1% Agarose, and ingredients for TBE electrophoresis buffer
• Practice loading dye and loading dye with Sybr-Green DNA stain

NOTE: Teacher is responsible for labeling tubes and aliquoting solutions. Teacher must also supply a heat source (microwave) for melting agarose, a refrigerator/freezer for storage of reagents and bottled water in 1-liter bottles to make TBE electrophoresis buffer. All pertinent worksheets, protocols and observation sheets can be printed from the Lab Center at: http://www.dnalc.org/labcenter/harlem/.

PCR and Human DNA Variation, Parts I & II

1 Lab, 2 CASES

In this lab students will extract and amplify their own DNA.* Using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) each participant will amplify a specific region of his/her own DNA and use gel electrophoresis to analyze the results. Teachers have the option of using primers to:

Includes:

• Micropipets and sterile tips
• Thermocycler
• Pre-cast E-gels and power supplies
• Digital camera and UV transilluminator
• Microcentrifuge
• 1.5 ml tubes, markers, tube racks, labels
• Chelex, Primer mixes, Ready-to-Go PCR beads
• Practice loading dye and loading dye with SYBR
• Green DNA stain

NOTE: Teacher is responsible for labeling tubes and aliquoting solutions. Teacher must also supply plastic or paper cups, bottled water and salt to make and aliquot saline solution, heat source (microwave) to melt agarose and refrigerator/freezer for storage of reagents. All pertinent worksheets, protocols and observation sheets can be printed from Lab Center.