DNA Barcoding Kits

DNA Barcoding Kits

Incorporate PCR, DNA sequencing, and bioinformatics to teach students how to genetically identify species of fish, mammals, insects, or fungi using a DNA barcode. 

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Overview

Consult with a Specialist

Use Biotechnology to Investigate Your Local Biodiversity

The International Barcode of Life Project (iBOL) has brought together scientists from across the globe to barcode the vast number of species on the planet before they are lost. With our DNA Barcoding Kits, students have the tools to identify mammalian, insect, fungal, and fish species in their own backyards. Your students will first extract DNA from tissue they collect, use PCR to amplify the DNA, and perform agarose gel electrophoresis to verify PCR products. Next, after receiving DNA sequencing results from a third party (sequencing services not included), your students use bioinformatics to genetically identify the species using the sequence obtained. Students may also collect samples from local shops to see if marketplace substitution is occurring!

Kits and refill modules are available for the investigation of fish, mammalian, insect, and fungal samples.

Features and Benefits

With this kit, students are able to:

  • Perform DNA extraction, PCR amplification, and gel electrophoresis
  • Use DNA sequencing and bioinformatics to determine species identity
  • Conduct investigations in their area to examine biodiversity or see if marketplace substitution is occurring
  • Contribute to global initiatives for barcoding life

Background Information

DNA barcoding adds a level of genetic identification to species classification.

Taxonomists traditionally make species determinations based on their in-depth knowledge of species characteristics and environments in order to categorize them. The power of DNA research now allows us to add a level of identification based on the sequencing of a conserved gene. For example, the cytochrome c oxidase 1 (COI) gene is a mitochondrial gene found in fish, birds, butterflies, flies, and other animal groups. The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) is found in fungi. Subtle changes in these sequences result in species-specific identification or genetic barcodes. Other conserved genes are used for barcoding other groups of organisms.

This information is critical in helping to assess biodiversity and conservation efforts, as well as commercially, where food marketplaces can be regulated.

More DNA Barcoding Kit Information

Bio-Rad offers DNA barcoding kits for the identification of fish, mammalian, insect, and fungal samples. Each kit:

  • Provides sufficient materials for processing up to 16 samples (8 student workstations, 2 samples per workstation, 2–4 students per workstation).
  • Contains a DNA extraction module and PCR module, each of which can also be purchased separately.

Barcoding kit bundles containing reagents for agarose electrophoresis are also available. 

DNA samples may be sequenced using any university or commercial DNA sequencing service (available in most regions)*. Refer to the instruction manual for sample processing requirements (sample cleanup, primers, etc.). Also, please contact the service provider you wish to use for their specific requirements and services. 

*The DNA Barcoding Sequencing Module (1665115EDU) has been discontinued. All previous purchases of the DNA Sequencing Module may be used/redeemed through June 30, 2023.

Additional DNA Barcoding Resources

Specifications

Kit contains sufficient materials for 8 student workstations
(2-4 students per workstation)
Each DNA Barcoding Kit includes one DNA Extraction Module and one PCR Module
DNA Extraction Module
Cell resuspension solution, 5 ml
1
Cell lysis solution, 5 ml
1
Neutralization solution, 5 ml
1
Wash buffer, 10 ml
1
Matrix, 5 ml
1
Spin filters with caps
20
Microcentrifuge tubes, 2 ml
250
PCR Module
PCR tubes, 0.2 ml
50
PCR master mix (Taq DNA polymerase, dNTPs, buffer), 1.2 ml
1
Fish primer mix (40x), 50 µl
1
COI-ITS PCR Control DNA
1
UView™ 6x loading dye, 200 µl
1
PCR molecular weight ruler, 200 µl
1
Sterile water, 2.5 ml
1
Curriculum
1 (includes teacher guide, student manual, and graphic quick guide)

Ordering

items

Use the filters below to refine results!

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Fish DNA Barcoding Kit
17007432EDU

PCR and bioinformatics kit, includes DNA Extraction Module (12016408EDU) and Fish PCR Module (12016300EDU); for extraction and PCR amplification of up to 16 fish DNA and control samples (8 student workstations, 2 samples per workstation, 2–4 students per workstation); for educational use only

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Fish DNA Barcoding Kit with Agarose and TAE
17007153EDU

PCR and bioinformatics kit bundle, includes Fish DNA Barcoding Kit (17007432EDU) and reagents for agarose gel electrophoresis of up to 16 fish DNA and control samples (8 student workstations, 2 samples per workstation, 2–4 students per workstation); for educational use only 

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Mammals, Insects, and Fungi DNA Barcoding Kit
17007366EDU

PCR and bioinformatics kit, includes DNA Extraction Module (12016408EDU) and Mammals, Insects, and Fungi PCR Module (12016353EDU); for extraction and PCR amplification of up to 16 DNA and control samples (8 student workstations, 2 samples per workstation, 2–4 students per workstation); for educational use only

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Mammals, Insects, and Fungi DNA Barcoding Kit with Agarose and TAE
17007135EDU

PCR and bioinformatics kit bundle, includes Mammals, Insects, and Fungi DNA Barcoding Kit (17007366EDU) and reagents for agarose gel electrophoresis of up to 16 DNA and control samples (8 student workstations, 2 samples per workstation, 2–4 students per workstation); for educational use only

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Fish, Mammals, Insects, and Fungi DNA Barcoding Kit
17007154EDU

PCR and bioinformatics kit, includes two DNA Extraction Modules (12016408EDU), one Fish PCR Module (12016300EDU), and one Mammals, Insects, and Fungi PCR Module (12016353EDU); for educational use only

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Fish, Mammals, Insects, and Fungi DNA Barcoding Kit with Agarose and TAE
17007155EDU

PCR and bioinformatics kit bundle, includes two DNA Extraction Modules (12016408EDU), one Fish PCR Module (12016300EDU), one Mammals, Insects, and a Fungi PCR Module (12016353EDU), agarose, and TAE buffer; for educational use only

Refills

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DNA Extraction Module
12016408EDU

Reagents and plastic consumables for chromosomal DNA extraction, includes resuspension, lysis, and neutralization solutions, wash buffer, matrix, spin filters, and 2.0 ml microtubes for up to 16 extractions; for educational use only

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dna-barcoding-extraction-reagent-refill-pack-166-5105edu-thumb.jpg
1665105EDU

Reagents for chromosomal DNA extraction, includes resuspension, lysis, and neutralization solutions, wash buffer, matrix, and spin filters for up to 16 extractions; for educational use only

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Fish PCR Module
(Discontinued) Fish PCR Module
12016300EDU

Reagents and consumables for PCR amplification of up to 16 fish DNA samples and control DNA, contains 2x master mix, PCR primers, control DNA, sterile water, molecular weight ruler, fluorescent DNA loading dye and stain, and PCR tubes; for educational use only

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Mammals, Insects, and Fungi PCR Module
12016353EDU

Reagents and consumables for PCR amplification of up to 16 DNA samples and control DNA, contains 2x master mix, PCR primers, control DNA, sterile water, molecular weight ruler, fluorescent DNA loading dye and stain, and PCR tubes; for educational use only

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161-3100EDU_tn.jpg
1613100EDU
25 g, general purpose agarose for nucleic acid electrophoresis, certified free of inhibitors, DNases, RNases; education use only

Downloads

Fish DNA Barcoding Dataset
FISH-DNA-BARCODING-DATASET

Fish DNA Barcoding Dataset.

Mammalian Insect DNA Barcoding Dataset
MAMMAL-INSECT-DNA-DATASET

Mammalian Insect DNA Barcoding Dataset.

Fungal DNA Barcoding Dataset
FUNGAL-DNA-BARCODING-DATASET

Fungal DNA Barcoding Dataset.

Documents

Number Description Options
10000145585
DNA Barcoding Kit Instructor Guide
10000145586
DNA Barcoding Kit Student Guide
10000147118
DNA Barcoding Kit Bioinformatics Guide