Genetics

Genetics has come a long way since Gregor Mendel presented his work with peas. Genetic principles and related research techniques are now used throughout biology, and genetics impacts many aspects of life. Genetics research frequently uses model systems, which consist of a well-characterized subset of organisms. Many Bio-Rad Explorer lab activities also use model organisms, enabling students to gain hands-on experiences like those encountered in research laboratories.

Related Kits for Genetics

• DNA Model Kit

  Easily build a biologically accurate DNA model by attaching the foam nucleotide bases, assembling the DNA strands, and then twisting them into the familiar double helix.

• C. elegans Behavior Kit

  Compare a wild-type strain of C. elegans to a neurologic mutant to understand how a loss of the AIY and ASE neurons impacts learning capacity through a chemotaxis experiment.

• Out of the Blue CRISPR and Genotyping Extension Kits

  Use CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing to edit the lacZ gene in E. coli. Visualize results with blue-white screening and confirm them by PCR. Apply lessons learned to a bioinformatics activity in which students design of Cas9 target sites in the human genome and determine risk for off-target effect.

• GMO Investigator Kit

  Use PCR and DNA electrophoresis to test for the presence of two different GMO-associated DNA sequences commonly used in transgenic plants.

• pGLO Bacterial Transformation Kit

  The pGLO kit enables students to transform bacteria by the same procedure used by molecular biologists to introduce a gene from the bioluminescent jellyfish Aequorea victoria.

• DNA Barcoding Kits

  Students incorporate PCR, DNA sequencing, and bioinformatics as they genetically identify species of fish, mammals, insects, or fungi using a DNA barcode.

• GMO Investigator Real-Time PCR Starter Kit

  Illustrate the principles of real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) and its use in testing foods for the presence of genetic modifications.

• Genes in a Bottle Kit

  Guide students in using a real-world laboratory procedure to extract genomic DNA from their own cheek cells, then precipitate and bottle it in a necklace amulet — a cool keepsake!

• PV92 PCR Informatics Kit

  Allow your students to use real-world forensic techniques to extract DNA from their hair follicles or cheek cells and then fingerprint their own DNA using PCR and electrophoresis.

• Science of Opioid Dependence Kit

  This activity is designed to emphasize the complexity of opioid dependence and the many environmental, behavioral, and genetic factors that impact it. Using simulated patient DNA samples, students investigate genotypes for a SNP implicated in opioid dependence. Students use statistical reasoning and published data on other genetic links to construct evidence-based explanations.

• Forensic DNA Fingerprinting Kit

  Illustrate the principles of forensic DNA testing methods. Using real DNA as evidence, your students play the role of crime scene investigators to find out "Who done it?"

• Crime Scene Investigator PCR Basics Kit

  Introduce the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to your students and enable them to simulate DNA profiling as commonly used in forensic laboratories.

• Cloning and Sequencing Explorer Series — All Eight Modules

  Clone and analyze a real gene with the Cloning and Sequencing Explorer series, a 6–8 week sequence of laboratory activities ranging from DNA extraction to bioinformatics analysis.

• Crime Scene Investigator PCR Basics Real-Time PCR Starter Kit

  Teach students the principles of real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) using the pre-made DNA templates from the Crime Scene Investigator PCR Basics Kit.