Genetics Learning Activities

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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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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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Kit for teaching students how to extract and precipitate their own DNA. Students can transfer their DNA to a tube that can be used as a pendant on a necklace.

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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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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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Coronary heart disease and stroke are major causes of death in the Western world. Elevated blood cholesterol levels are a serious risk factor in both conditions. The genetic disease familial hypersholesterolemia (FH) causes an increase in blood levels of the bad form of cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL). In untreated patients with the mutant FH gene, the condition can cause premature death. This experiment introduces the colorimetric enzymatic reaction which is the basis of the clinical cholesterol test. In addition, using agarose gel electrophoresis, students can analyse a simulated genetic screening for a disease.

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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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In this experiment, students study the diversity of fish using pre-stained, lyophilised proteins. Total protein from perch, walleye and salmon is extracted and pre-stained using an indicator dye. Each fish protein sample has a characteristic banding pattern when separated by denaturing SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, which can be used to identify the specific species.

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Plasmid and lambda DNA are pre-digested with restriction endonucleases that recognise and cut double-stranded DNA within or near defined base sequences. Digests are separated by agarose gel electrophoresis.

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Solve the mystery of two boys separated from their parents a decade ago. Their biological mother is identified by mitochondrial DNA and their biological father from chromosomal DNA.

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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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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.

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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.

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

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