Restriction Enzyme Digest & Gel Electrophoresis of DNA demonstrates how DNA can be specifically cut into fragments by restriction enzymes and then can be separated by fragment size on an agarose gel. Students use DNA and different restriction enzymes to prepare four different DNA digestion patterns.
Option 1: Students use lambda DNA and different restriction enzymes to prepare four different DNA digestion patterns. Students use a model of restriction sites in the lambda genome to predict restriction fragment sizes.
Option 2: Students use plasmid DNA and different restriction enzymes to prepare four different DNA digestion patterns. Students analyze a plasmid map to predict restriction fragment sizes.
Key Topics:
- DNA Structure
- Restriction Enzyme Function and Use in Cloning
- Principles of Gel Electrophoresis
This field trip can be taken On the Road with additional fees, given the following:
- Field trip can be held in a space away from food or drink is required, preferably without carpet.
- Access to electricity for each group of four students somewhere in the room.
This field trip is categorized as an Intermediate field trip, and is appropriate for students at a high school level or above who have had exposure to the concepts of molecular biology. Students that have had experience in the laboratory with micropipettes will be at a distinct advantage when they explore concepts that are fundamental to the way in which modern biotechnology works!
Length of Field Trip: 2.5 to 3 hours
Cost of Field Trip: $208 for up to 16 students; $13 for every additional student.
