In this lab, students will:

• Discuss DNA, genetic disease, homozygous and heterozygous alleles, Punnett squares, PCR, restriction enzymes, electrophoresis
• Set up a PCR reaction using forward and reverse primers and master mix
• Use a thermocycler to isolate and make copies of the gene of interest
• “Digest” PCR product using restriction enzymes
• Load “digested” DNA on an electrophoresis gel
• Analyze gels for homozygous recessive, homozygous dominant, and heterozygous alleles.
• Operate micropipettes, vortex, and micro centrifuge

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Standards:

• B-LS1-1. Construct an explanation based on evidence for how the structure of DNA determines the structure of proteins, which carry out the essential functions of life through systems of specialized cells.
• B-LS3-2. Make and defend a claim based on evidence that inheritable genetic variations may result from (1) new genetic combinations through meiosis, (2) viable errors occurring during replication, and/or (3) mutations caused by environmental factors.
• B-LS3-3. Apply concepts of statistics and probability to explain the variation and distribution of expressed traits in a population

Teaching words or concepts: adenine, allele, amino acid, base, cell, chromosome, cytosine, deoxyribose, DNA, dominant, double helix, enzyme, gene, gene mutation, , genetic code, genome, genotype, guanine, homozygous, hydrogen bond, mutation, nucleic acid, nucleotide, nucleus, offspring, parent, phenotype, phosphate, probability, Punnett square, RNA, recessive, replication, thymine, trait, transcription, translation

Typical Schedule*:

9:00 – 9:15 Arrive/walk to the lab
9:30 Start lab (up to 64 students)
11:30 – 12:00 Break for lunch (~1hr)
12:30 – 1:00 Start lab again
1:30 – 2:00 Depart

*Schedule can be adjusted to meet your school’s needs