Educational Materials

Supplier: EDVOTEK

The Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) from the jellyfish Aequorea victoria is used extensively in all areas of science. Many organisms have been transformed with the GFP gene, the gene responsible for bioluminescence in jellyfish. It has proven to be so useful that scientists have mutated it to produce Blue Fluorescent Protein (BFP). In this simple experiment, students transform bacteria either by GFP, BFP or both.

Supplier: EDVOTEK

When bacteria are used to make medicinally useful proteins by transformation, the protein of interest must be separated from all of the other cellular proteins. In this experiment, the unique fluorescent properties of GFP and BFP are used as an assay during their purification from an E. coli extract. The column fractions containing GFP or BFP are identified by fluorescence and then purified. As an optional activity, purified protein fractions can be separated by SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) to estimate the purity and size of the GFP and BFP proteins.

Supplier: EDVOTEK

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.

Supplier: EDVOTEK

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.

Supplier: EDVOTEK

Investigate how agarose gel electrophoresis unlocks the color code used by food scientists to make colorful candies.

Supplier: EDVOTEK

Evidence left behind at a crime scene can identify a potential culprit. Even in this age of DNA, fingerprints and blood stains are still important in helping to identify a criminal. In this experiment, students solve a crime by dusting for fingerprints and use fluorescent dust to search for and identify trace amounts of blood.

Supplier: EDVOTEK

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.

Supplier: EDVOTEK

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.

Supplier: EDVOTEK

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.

Supplier: EDVOTEK

Milk proteins are the most common food allergens in children. Accurate detection and labeling is vital to inform consumers about potentially dangerous foods.

Supplier: EDVOTEK

In this experiment, students determine a pedigree for a family thought to be carriers of a mutation in their p53 genes. This is followed by a diagnostic agarose gel analysis to diagnose the state of the p53 gene in individual family members.

Supplier: EDVOTEK

This simple experiment demonstrates detection of the mutation that causes Sickle Cell Anaemia. In this simulation, students use electrophoresis to separate dyes that represent patient samples and controls.

Supplier: EDVOTEK

DNA obtained from a single hair left behind at a crime scene can be used to identify a criminal. In this experiment, students will compare simulated crime scene DNA with that of two suspects.

Supplier: EDVOTEK

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.

Supplier: EDVOTEK

With this kit, students sample water and air and then grow any microbes present overnight. A safe and simple way to teach pollution.

Supplier: EDVOTEK

This experiment helps teach students about restriction enzyme digests in the context of forensic science. Students cut DNA with restriction enzymes and then compare the banding pattern of the crime scene DNA versus that of two suspects using agarose gel electrophoresis.