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The New Genetics (S10)

The exercises in this program are designed to illustrate key principles of molecular genetics including genome organization, gene function, and DNA fingerprinting. Each exercise emphasizes an investigative approach where students draw conclusions from experimental results. Each exercise also illustrates fundamental biological concepts. The four exercises can be done independently or in sequence and are recommended for beginning and intermediate-level students.

Each of the individual experiments is supplied with the chemicals and laboratory guides needed for 16 students working in pairs. (Please see page 17 for additional details). If you chose one or more of the experiments below, you should also order Electrophoresis Package 3/4. Electrophoresis Package 3/4 provides sufficient agarose, gel stain and electrophoresis buffers for up to 6 of the individual experiments in this series. Electrophoresis Package 3/4 is also suitable for the experiments in Standard Laboratory Programs 3 and 4.

EXP-1001 1001. Anatomy and Evolution of the Genome (View Individual Experiment)

Common plasmids are simple DNA molecules which contain a few genes and regulatory elements. Most viral genomes are more complex. For example, the genome of phage lambda contains approximately 50 genes. About 4,000 genes are present in the E. coli genome while there is approximately 1,000 times more DNA in the genome of a mammal. This progression in genome complexity is the topic of this exercise. Here, students compare the electrophoretic patterns of restriction digests of a plasmid, phage lambda DNA, and cow DNA from thymus and kidney as shown in the figure below.

EXP-1002 1002. Analysis of a Genome Segment (View Individual Experiment)

Phage lambda DNA and a recombinant plasmid containing a segment of the phage lambda genome are provided as the starting point for this exercise. Students digest these DNAs with EcoR1 and BamH1 and then analyze the fragments as shown below. Determination of the size of the fragments enables the student to identify the precise region in the lambda genome that is contained within the plasmid.

EXP-1003 1003. DNA Fingerprinting (An authentic analysis) (View Individual Experiment)

DNA fingerprinting relies on the fact that DNA can be extremely variable in sequence from one individual to another and from one organism to another. Thus, the method has been used to identify individuals in forensic and paternity cases and to study genetic lineages of closely related organisms. These applications are discussed in the text and the latter application is illustrated in this experiment. In the exercise, students are given two DNA samples which are identified in the instructor guide. One sample is from sheep and the other from cow.

EXP-1004 1004. Genotype to Phenotype (View Individual Experiment)

This exercise was designed to provide an exciting introduction to specific gene structure and function. In the experiment, students are given two plasmids (A and B) which are identified in the instructors guide. One plasmid (A) has a functional gene for the enzyme ß-galactosidase. The ß-galactosidase gene in the other plasmid (B) is inactive because it contains a segment of foreign DNA. In the first part of the exercise, students analyze restriction digests of both plasmids in order to determine which plasmid should have a functional ß-galactosidase gene.

Prices

Catalog # Price Description
S10 297.21

The Chemical Package for 16 students working in pairs plus 17 student manuals and one instructor manual.
S10-C 223.94

The Chemical Package for 16 students working in pairs plus one student manual and one instructor manual (The student manual may be reproduced for educational purposes).
S10-SM 9.61

Sample Student Manual plus one instructor manual.

Standard Program 10 Contains:

EXP-1001

  • Plasmid DNA-EcoR1 Cut
  • Phage Lambda DNA-Hind III Cut
  • Calf Thymus DNA-EcoR1 Cut
  • Calf Kidney DNA-EcoR1 Cut

EXP-1002

  • Lambda DNA
  • Plasmid-Lambda
  • EcoR1
  • BamH1
  • Restriction Nuclease Buffer
  • Sample Buffer

EXP-1003

    • Unknown DNA 1
    • Unknown DNA 2
    • EcoR1 Endonuclease
    • BamH1 Endonuclease
    • Restriction Endonuclease Buffer (2)
    • Sample Buffer
    • S1-Nuclease
    • S1-Nuclease Buffer
    • DNA Markers

EXP-1004

  • Plasmid A
  • Plasmid B
  • Plasmid C
  • EcoR1 Endonuclease
  • Endonuclease Buffer
  • Sample Buffer
  • E.coli
  • Ampicillin
  • DNA Marker
  • CaCl2
  • Nutrient Broth
  • Nutrient Agar + Ampicillin
  • X-gal
  • X-gal Solvent
  • Inoculating Loops
  • Sterile Transfer Pipets
  • Sterile Tubes
  • Petri Dishes