The Carolina™ Aspergillus nidulans Crossing Kit includes Aspergillus nidulans Mutant Strain A1057 Slant Tube Culture Aspergillus nidulans Mutant Strain A1058 Slant Tube Culture 7 Bottles Aspergillus nidulans Complete Medium Bottle Minimal Medium + Biotin + Ammonium Tartrate 2 Bottles Minimal Medium + Biotin + PABA 2 Bottles Minimal Medium + Biotin 2 Bottles Minimal Medium + PABA Bottle Agar (3%) 30 Tubes Sterile Distilled Water (8 mL) 20 Sterile Petri Dishes (60 x 15 mm) 80 Sterile Petri Dishes (100 x 15 mm) 50 Graduated Transfer Pipets (1 mL) 10 Packs Lazy-L-Spreaders™ (10 per pack) 10 Boxes Sterile Toothpicks Autoclave Disposal Bag Metal Scalpel 10 Group Scoring Sheets (in teacher's manual) 10 Metal Inoculating Needles 10 Group Recording Sheets for Parental/Recombinants (in teacher's manual) Class Recording Sheet for Calculating Linkage Distances (in teacher's manual) Teacher's Manual Needed But not Included: Dissecting Microscope, Incubator (37°C), Masking Tape, Bunsen Burner, Vortexor, MIxer (optional, but recommended).

Intermediate - Easy to perform; requires some basic training in mictobiology.

For a class of 30 students. This genetics kit helps students understand gene linkage and genetic recombination (crossing-over) using the fungus Aspergillus nidulans. Students also learn about meiosis and fungal life cycles in carrying out this experiment.

In the experiment, students cross two strains of A. nidulans carrying different alleles of three genes, which are easily tested for on different types of growth medium. Students analyze progeny from the cross to determine which alleles of the three genes (and which combinations of alleles: parental or recombinant) each has.

As a result of this analysis, students discover that the three genes are linked on the same chromosome and they construct a genetic map to show the linkage relationship of the genes. Kit contains coupon for prepaid delivery of perishable materials. Return coupon at least 2 weeks prior to requested delivery date to ensure prompt arrival of materials.