Needed But Not Included: Thermal Cycler, Electrophoresis Equipment, Micropipettors, 1.5-mL Microcentrifuge Tubes, 15-mL Conical Tubes, Saline Sloution, Paper Cups

Introduce your students to human population genetics through PCR analysis of their own genotypes.

Students use safe saline mouthwash or hair and Chelex extraction to obtain a sample of their own DNA. Then they use polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to amplify a 300-nucleotide Alu insertion into an intron of H-cadherin gene. Gel electrophoresis seperates the 2 alleles, and each student determines their own genotype. The experiment provides an introduction to human population genetics, as participants learn to score genotypes and calculate genotype and allele frequencies.

Teaching themes include:

• Evolution
• Population Genetics
• Chi-square analysis
• Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium
• Real-world applications of PCR technology

Note: Kits contain perishable materials and are shipped on gel cold packs. Sold only to schools and businesses.