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This simulation experiment demonstrates the process of DNA amplification by PCR and how the amplified product is detected by separating the reaction mixture by agarose gel electrophoresis.

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This kit is for teaching students how people's physical traits are a reflection of their genes. In this simulation, students use electrophoresis to separate dyes which represent genetic traits.

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Kit allows students to construct DNA models and then extract DNA from onions, strawberries or bananas.

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In DNA fingerprinting, variable number tandem repeats (VNTR) are used to identify individuals. Using this kit, students type themselves at the D1S80 locus on chromosome 1. This region contains between 14 and 40 copies of a 16 base pair repeat.

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Ready-to-Load™ kit for introducing the use of restriction enzymes as a tool to digest lambda DNA at specific nucleotide sequences.

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This experiment introduces students to Southern blotting as a tool for DNA fingerprinting in a hypothetical paternity determination. DNA fragments are first separated by agarose gel electrophoresis, then transferred to a nylon membrane and finally visualised by staining.

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Infectious mononucleosis is commonly known as the 'kissing disease'. The causative agent is Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which can be transmitted through saliva during kissing. In this experiment, students search for the presence of EBV using the ELISA reaction to detect specific viral proteins.

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This Lab activity shows students what real chromosomal DNA Looks Like and allows them to explore the procedures involved in DNA extraction.

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The mitochondria are thought to have evolved from a symbiotic relationship between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Mitochondria have their own DNA and are only inherited via the maternal line. In this experiment, students amplify two regions of their mitochondrial DNA.

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In this experiment, students purify the restriction enzyme, Eco RI. This procedure utilised an ion exchange chromatograph step for Eco RI purification. Column fractions are assayed for the enzyme using Lambda DNA and digestion products are identified by gel electrophoresis. Fractions that contain Eco RI are identified and pooled. The total and specific activities are calculated. Recommended for advanced courses.

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Bovine spongiform encephalophathy (BSE), also known as Mad Cow Disease, is a neurodegenerative, fatal condition in cattle. Consuming BSE-infected beef is believed to be the cause of a similar condition in humans, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. In this experiment, students examine simulated PCR products from several feed mills, to determine any possible violations of the ban on including animal parts in cattle feed.

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Four experimental modules are combined into one experiment to provide a comprehensive biotechnology exploration focusing on the green fluorescent protein (GFP). Bacterial cells are transformed to express the GFP. The transformed cells are then grown and the GFP purified by column chromatography. Finally, the purity of the protein fractions are analysed by SDS polyacrylamide electrophoresis.

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DNA mapping is a common procedure used to determine the location of genes. In this experiment, DNA markers and pre-digested plasmid DNA fragments are mapped using agarose gel electrophoresis.

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When DNA is subcloned in the pUC polylinker region, β-galactosidase production is interrupted, resulting in the inability of cells to hydrolyse X-Gal. This results in the production of white colonies amongst a background of blue colonies. This experiment provides a DNA fragment together with a linear plasmid and T4 DNA ligase. Following the ligation to synthesis the recombinant plasmid, competent E. coli cells are transformed and the number of recombinant antibiotic-resistant white and blue colonies are counted. β-galactosidase activity is assayed from blue and white bacterial cells.

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This experiment introduces a simple method to determine protein subunit molecular weights using horizontal electrophoresis. As the protein standards and 'unknowns' are prestained, the separation of proteins can be observed during electrophoresis. Included in the experiment is protein-grade agarose, which provides an alternative to the use of polyacrylamide gels.

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Southern blotting is an important technique used widely in clinical genetics and research. By transferring DNA from an agarose gel onto a membrane the method allows the precise analysis and identification of DNA bands on a gel. Using this kit, students use Southern blotting to find a point mutation in the haemoglobin gene indicating Sickle Cell Anaemia.

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According to the World Health Organisation, between two and three million cases of skin cancer occur globally every year. Many of these cases are caused by preventable damage to DNA by UV light. In this experiment, students expose plasmid DNA to shortwave UV light to simulate the effect of sunbathing. The DNA is then analysed by agarose gel electrophoresis to observe the damage.

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When normal cells are grown in culture they stop growing when they become overcrowded (contact inhibition). Cancer cells in culture grow in an uncontrolled way because they have lost this property. This helps tumours to form in the body. In addition, many different cell types can be present in a single tumour. This experiment allows students to see the differences between normal and cancer cells in both their growth and cell types.

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Students learn the basic principles of the Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) using this precise and sensitive antibody-based detection kit.

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Drinking water is routinely tested for contamination. If a screening tests positive, more sophisticated tests are required. One such test uses PCR in multiplex format. In this experiment, students test for the presence of three separate, classroom-safe organisms in a water sample using a single PCR reaction.

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An HIV test detects HIV infection indirectly using an ELISA test against HIV antibodies in the blood. The test works by taking antibodies from the patient's blood and adding them to a microtitre plate coated with HIV antigen. If HIV antibodies are present, they will bind to the antigens on the plate. In this experiment, students perform an ELISA text by coating microtitre plate wells with simulated HIV antigen and then test simulated donor serum for anti-HIV antibodies.

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Observe the differences between mammalian cell types and how these cells funciton. Cells are fixed on microscope slides and students stain the cells on the slide to view morphological characteristics of the cell types. These cells are very safe for classroom use.

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The three most frequently used restriction enzymes are Eco RI, Bam HI and Hind III. Each enzyme catalyses cleavage at the defined base sequence. All enzymes are lyophilised and contain 1500 units. One unit is defined as the amount of enzyme required to digest 1,0 µg of lambda DNA in 60 minutes at 37 °C in a total reaction mixture of 50 µl.

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The DNA from bacteriophage Lambda is a well-characterised linear molecule containing six recognition sites for Eco RI (5 distinct sites, 2 are very close in size). In this experiment, Lambda DNA is digested by the Eco RI endonuclease. The digestion products are analysed by agarose gel electrophoresis.

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Cancer cells differ from normal cells by the combinations of proteins that are present on their surfaces. Antibodies against these proteins will specifically bind to cancer cells and not to normal cells. This allows early detection of cancer and potentially a way of delivering cancer therapies. In this simulation experiment the reaction of cancer cell markers and their corresponding antigens are demonstrated.

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Ready-to-Load™ kit to show how electrophoresis separates molecules on the basis of size and charge.

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An infectious outbreak requires prompt and accurate identification of the biological agent. Often, early clinical symptoms are first identified in exposed individuals and then infectious agents are identified by lab tests. In this experiment, students transmit a simulated infectious agent (chemical dye) between classmates which is only visible under long UV light. The pattern of transmission and primary source is documented.

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This experiment introduces students to the principles of antigen-antibody interactions by using the Ouchterlony procedure. Antibodies and antigens form complexes that precipitate, making it possible to assay antibody-antigen systems. The binding interaction results in the formation of a white precipitate after diffusion in agarose.

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The body defends itself from attack by infectious agents like bacteria and viruses by producing antibodies. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) test for antibodies present in the blood, which indicate infection. In this experiment, students perform a simulated ELISA test to identify infected samples and compare them to control samples.

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Infectious agents such as bacteria and viruses can spread rapidly through a population and cause widespready disease and death. In this experiment, students use coloured solutions to simulate the spreading of a disease in the classroom.