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A truly teacher- and student-friendly approach to conducting human genetics studies in your classroom. This high-quality kit gives your students the opportunity to determine their own genotype by looking at a 300-nucleotide Alu insertion (PV92). The experiment is set up to ensure students make real-world connections between population genetics, evolution, and much more. Kit includes enough materials for 25 students to perform DNA extraction, amplification, and electrophoresis with ethidium bromide.

Advanced—For experienced high school and college classes; requires some technical skill.

• Simple, robust protocol is ideal for classroom use
• Incorporates Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and chi-square analysis
• Helps demonstrate real-world applications of PCR
• Discover how Alu insertions are used to track world population migrations
• CD-ROM contains animations and video clips for classroom instruction

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 the H-cadherin gene. Gel electrophoresis separates the 2 alleles, and each student determines his/her own genotype. The experiment provides an introduction to human population genetics as participants learn to score genotypes and calculate genotype and allele frequencies.

Kit contains instructions, a CD-ROM, and materials for 25 students to perform DNA extraction, amplification, and electrophoresis (staining with ethidium bromide). Note: Kit includes a voucher to request perishable materials later at your convenience. Contact us or return the voucher to request delivery of perishable materials.

   This item is sold and shipped to schools and businesses only. Not available to individuals or residential addresses. For substitution suggestions, please call us at 800.334.5551 (8am to 8pm, ET, Monday-Friday).