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.
Overview
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
- Fish DNA Barcoding Quiz Game — a fun, Jeopardy-style quiz game that helps prepare your students for the DNA barcoding lab activities.
- Download this Fish Flashcard activity for a fun way to introduce the Fish DNA barcoding lab activity to your class.
Specifications
Kit Contents
Ordering
items
Use the filters below to refine results!
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 educat
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&nbs
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 workst
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 u
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
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; fo
Refills
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
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
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 us
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
100 ml, TAE nucleic acid electrophoresis buffer solution, pH 8.0; education use only
Downloads
Fish DNA Barcoding Dataset.
Mammalian Insect DNA Barcoding Dataset.
Fungal DNA Barcoding Dataset.