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9982-1005883
9982-1005879
3 B S c i e n t i f i c ® B i o l o g y
Exper iment s
E l ec t rophores i s / PCR
Mitochondrial DNA Analysis Using PCR
In this experiment, your students will use the Nobel Prize winning tech-
nique polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to amplify two regions of DNA from
their mitochondria. The mitochondria are thought to have evolved from a
symbiotic relationship between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Thus as
mitochondria have their own DNA that is only inherited via the maternal
line they are often used in studies of evolution. This kit shows how PCR is
able to amplify DNA from just a few cells. This ability has made PCR very
useful to study evolution and in forensics and genetic testing. Your students
carry out a simple DNA extraction, followed by PCR, then analyse the re-
sults using DNA electrophoresis.
Scope of delivery:
Instructions, proteinase K, PCR beads, control DNA and primers, micro-
tubes, chelating agent, agarose, DNA ladder, practice gel loading solution,
gel loading dye, electrophoresis buffer, gel stain.
Additionally required:
Micropipettes to measure between 5 and 50 μl, tips, waterbath, thermal
cycler (PCR machine), electrophoresis tank and power supply.
For 25 Students
Time required:
Set up 30 min.
PCR 2 hours or overnight
Electrophoresis 45 min.
&
D/E/F/S/I
9982-1005883
Some components
of this kit must be
stored at -20 °C
Polymerase Chain Reaction
This experiment for 6 lab groups introduces students to the principles,
practice and applications of the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) without
the need for a PCR machine! Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) has had an
extraordinary impact on various aspects of biotechnology. With PCR, DNA
can be amplified and studied. Since the first application of PCR (using the
Klenow fragment) to detect sickle cell anaemia, a large number of diagnos-
tic tests have been developed. PCR has made amplification of DNA an al-
ternate approach to cloning experiments. It is used in genome projects in
DNA mapping and DNA sequencing. PCR amplification is also being applied
to forensic and paternity determination, as well as determination of evolu-
tionary relationships. This simulation experiment does not contain human
DNA and does not require a thermal cycler. It is completed in 45 minutes.
Scope of delivery:
Ready-to-Load™ DNA samples, Ultraspec™ agarose powder, practice gel
loading solution, electrophoresis buffer, Instastain® Methylene Blue and
Methylene Blue Plus™ stain, calibrated pipette, 100 ml graduated cylinder
and microtipped transfer pipettes.
Additionally required:
Electrophoresis tank, power supply, automatic micropipette and tips,
balance, microwave or hot plate.
30x10x10 cm; 0.5 kg
&
D/E
9982-1005879
ATTENTION:
This experiment requires an
electrophoresis chamber and
a suitable power supply.
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EdvoCycler™ PCR Machine
(9982-1005882
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