Educational Materials

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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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This experiment uses PCR to amplify a small section of Lambda DNA via a 2-step process, saving valuable classroom time and allowing completion of the lab in one session.

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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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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.

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Learn the basics of DNA sequencing and sequence homology with this lab activity.

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For learning about the diversity of proteins by studying the electrophoretic profiles of various sources. Students separate proteins from bacterial, plant, serum, and milk proteins alongside a standard protein marker.

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DNA fingerprinting are featured in this lab by comparing crime scene DNA with suspect DNAs. Fingerprint patterns are separated by agarose gel electrophoresis.

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Genetic testing can be used to identify people with a genetic condition which caused them to have an elevated level of cholesterol and which can be fatal. Students can see how genetic testing is carried out and learn about DNA electrophoresis.

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In this kit, a set of multi-coloured links demonstate a variety of molecular biology simulations. Students learn about digesting DNA with restriction enzymes, cloning genes in plasmids, protein structure, and more.

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

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This Ready-to-Load™ kit shows how a restriction enzyme can be used to screen DNA for Sickle Cell Anaemia.

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In this PCR experiment, students make billions of copies of a small amount of DNA in only 90 minutes. They just need to mix template DNA and primers with PCR beads that contain all of the other components required to carry out a PCR reaction. Students see the increasing amounts of DNA for themselves, taking samples every few cycles and analysing them on a DNA gel.

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The second assay used to confirm a positive HIV ELISA result is the Western blot. Using this kit, students separate protein samples from hypothetical patients on agarose gels. The proteins are then transferred to a membrane and simulated HIV proteins are detected.

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Kit for teaching students how to use a micropipette with ease and accuracy using multi-coloured dyes.

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In this experiment, students see a blue colour change in transformed cells due to the switching on of a gene. The pGAL plasmid gives a blue colour dye due to the production of the β-galactosidase protein by the lacZ gene. IPTG is not required in this experiment since pGAL contains the complete lacZ gene.