Tutorials

Using a Transfer Pipet

This video demonstrates the proper use of a disposable plastic transfer pipet.

Using Serological Pipets

This video demonstrates the proper use of three common types of pipet pumps — tri-valve, syringe, and electronic — which are used with serological pipets.

Using a Micropipet

This video demonstrates how to use an adjustable-volume micropipet. The parts of the micropipet are explained along with how to set the volume, select and apply the pipet tip, and transfer liquids.

Kool-Aid Chromatography

This video demonstrates the separation of Kool-Aid drink mix pigments based on differences in polarity. Different percentages of alcohol are used in this chromatographic separation technique.

Using an Electronic Balance

This video demonstrates the proper use of an electronic balance.

Using a pH Meter

This video demonstrates the proper use of a stationary pH meter. The parts of the instrument, calibration with standard pH buffers, and sample measurement are shown.

Making a Molar Solution

This video demonstrates the proper method for making a molar solution. The example is for making a 1 M NaCl solution and includes weighing the material on an electronic balance and measurement of 100 ml of total solution using a volumetric flask.

Titration of Acids and Bases

This video demonstrates how to determine the concentration of an unknown base by titration. Proper use of graduated cylinders for volume measurement and use of a burette for titration using the pH indicator phenolphthalein are shown. Calculations to determine concentration of the unknown are shown using the m1v1 = m2v2 formula.

Aseptic Technique

This video demonstrates basic microbiological aseptic techniques used for transferring bacteria from one culture to another. Techniques include use of a Bunsen burner, transferring bacterial cultures from Petri plate to a liquid culture or from liquid to liquid culture using inoculation loops or needles.

Making Microbiological Media

This video demonstrates how to make microbiological media. LB agar is made, showing use of an electronic balance and addition of selection components, ampicillin and arabinose, to media. Proper pouring of Petri plates, including labeling, is shown.

Making a Streak Plate

This video demonstrates the streak plate method for isolating a single colony of bacteria from a culture. Proper use of a bunsen burner, inoculation loop, and aseptic technique are shown.

Modified Kirby-Bauer Test

This video demonstrates how to perform a modified Kirby-Bauer, or disk diffusion test. This method is used for testing the susceptibility of bacteria to different antibiotics.

Gram Staining

This video demonstrates the Gram staining method for identifying unknown bacteria. The method for mounting bacteria on a microscope slide using aseptic technique is shown.

Serial Dilution and Plate Counts

This video demonstrates how to quantitate bacteria using the serial dilution and plate count method. Bacteria are serially diluted and plated onto Petri plates using aseptic technique.

Staining Eukaryotic Cells

This video demonstrates how to create a wet mount of cells on a microscope slide. Cheek cells and onion epidermal cells are stained and mounted on a slide.

Casting an Agarose Gel

This video demonstrates how to cast an agarose gel. The proper method for sealing the gel tray with tape is shown along with pouring the molten agarose and storing the gel for later use.

Agarose Gel Electrophoresis

This video demonstrates how to load and run DNA samples on an agarose gel. Basic information about the charge of DNA and how it will run in a horizontal electrophoresis cell is explained.

Restriction Digestion of DNA

This video demonstrates how to set up a restriction digest using the Restriction Digestion and Analysis of Lambda DNA Kit. Techniques for setting up a restriction digest using a micropipet are shown.

Bacterial Transformation

This video demonstrates how to perform a bacterial transformation using the pGLO™ Bacterial Transformation Kit. The CaCl2 method is used to transform E. coli HB101 bacteria. Proper aseptic technique, heat-shock method, and sample labeling are shown.

Alkaline Lysis Miniprep

This video demonstrates the alkaline lysis method of purifying plasmid DNA from a bacterial culture. The small-scale purification is also known as a mini prep. This method utilizes a microcentrifuge as part of the purification.

DNA Quantitation Using a Spectrophotometer

This video demonstrates how to quantitate DNA using a UV-capable SmartSpec™ spectrophotometer. Plasmid DNA is measured, showing step-by-step instructions for the instrument. Purity of the DNA is assessed using the A₂₆₀/A₂₈₀ ratio.

Alu PV92 Detection by PCR

This video demonstrates key technique points for the PV92 PCR Informatics Kit. Steps include cheek cell collection, genomic DNA extraction using InstaGene™ matrix (a Chelex® resin), and setup of PCR reactions.

GMO Detection by PCR

This video demonstrates key technique points for the GMO Investigator™ Kit. Steps include genomic DNA extraction from grocery store food samples using a mortar and pestle and InstaGene™ matrix (a Chelex® resin). Methods for preventing sample contamination and setup of PCR reactions are shown, including use of controls.

Bradford Assay

This video demonstrates how to quantitate proteins using the Got Protein Kit. Protein concentration is determined both visually by comparing samples to a set of standards and by measuring absorbance on a SmartSpec™ spectrophotometer.

HIC Chromatography

This video demonstrates the technique for protein purification using the Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) Chromatography Kit. Recombinant GFP is purified from a bacterial lysate using hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC).

SDS-PAGE of Fish Muscle

This video demonstrates SDS-PAGE separation of proteins using the Comparative Proteomics Kit I: Protein Profiler Module. Techniques shown include sample preparation using Laemmli buffer and the setting up, loading, and running of polyacrylamide gels on a vertical protein electrophoresis cell.

Ouchterlony Assay

This video demonstrates the Ouchterlony double immunodiffusion assay. This technique is used to test whether antibodies recognize specific antigens.

Qualitative ELISA

This video demonstrates a qualitative ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) using the ELISA Immuno Explorer™ Kit. Assay steps for detecting the presence or absence of an antibody, including addition of samples to the microtiter plate strip and washing steps, are shown.

Quantitative ELISA

This video demonstrates a quantitative ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) using the ELISA Immuno Explorer™ Kit. Serial dilutions of standards are performed and used for quantitation of test samples. Assay steps, including addition of samples to the microtiter plate strip and washing steps, are shown.

Western Blotting

This video demonstrates SDS-PAGE separation of proteins using the Comparative Proteomics Kit II: Western Blot Module. Assembly of the blotting sandwich and electroblotting are shown along with the steps for protein detection using a colorimetric assay.

pGLO Bacterial Transformation Kit Quick Guide

Out of the Blue CRISPR Kit Quick Guide

Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration Kit Quick Guide

Science of Opioid Dependence Kit Quick Guide

Forensic DNA Fingerprinting Kit Quick Guide

CSI PCR Basics Kit Quick Guide

PV92 PCR Informatics Kit Quick Guide

GMO Investigator Kit Quick Guide

ELISA Immuno Explorer Kit Quick Guide

Biofuel Enzyme Kit Quick Guide