Students cut DNA with various endonucleases and isolate the pieces by the use of electrophoresis. They stain the agarose gels with a dye, visualize the DNA fragments cut by the specific enzymes and then photograph the gels. Plasmid mini-preps of DNA and bacterial transformation. The activities use high speed centrifuges, micropipette, electrophoresis chambers, transilluminators and Polaroid camera systems.
Handouts are available for teachers and students.
The program provides students with information and hands-on skills needed to understand the newly developed technology that is currently in the cutting edge of science. This is technology that will have a direct effect on the world economy and influence the development of animals, plants and human beings.