Let your students isolate, amplify and visualize their own Mitochondrial DNA.

• Students isolate and analyze their own DNA
• Total time (with stop-points) approximately 4 hours
• Perishable component refills available

In this experiment, students will isolate their mitochondrial DNA and use the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) to amplify two separate regions of the mitochondrial genome. Results are analyzed using agarose gel electrophoresis.

Time Required: Extraction - 50 min; PCR Setup - 10 min; PCR - 2 hours; Electrophoresis - 1 hour; Staining - 5 min to overnight.

Additional items needed but not included: Electrophoresis equipment, Thermal Cycler, 50 µl micropipettes; Light box, 2 water baths, microcentrifuge, microwave/hot plate.