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Cancer diagnostics and treatments are on the front line of the biotechnological revolution. Your students get into the action by taking on the roles of researcher, clinician, and genetic counselor as they attempt to diagnose a family of patients. Using pedigrees and a simulated DNA-based diagnostic, students explore the genes linked to hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) in a fictitious family. Kit uses CarolinaBLU® DNA stain and equips 32 students working in groups of 4.

Product Details
Intermediate—Easy to perform; requires some background knowledge.
Provide your students an authentic biomedical biotechnology experience with the HNPCC: Detecting Inherited Forms of Cancer Kit. Presented with a patient family case study pertaining to an inherited form of colon cancer, students first create a family pedigree. They then use gel electrophoresis to analyze a simulated DNA-based diagnostic test of samples from the fictitious family and identify which members have inherited the cancer-causing mutation. After deciphering their results, students take on the role of genetic counselor to discuss test results with one of the family members.

This laboratory exercise looks at genes linked to hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) and explores the connection between family medical history and testing for mutations in these genes. Cancer diagnostics and treatments are on the front line of the medical biotechnological revolution as researchers and clinicians work to identify new methods and develop targeted therapies.

Note: Kit ships with perishable materials included.

Product Features

• Designed for 32 students working in groups of 4 (8 gels)
• Comes with aliquoted DNA samples for easy setup
• Includes teacher's manual and student guide
• Uses CarolinaBLU® DNA stain

Digital Resources
Includes 1-year access to digital resources that support 3-dimensional instruction for NGSS. Digital resources may include a teacher's manual and student guide, pre-lab activities and setup videos, phenomenon videos, simulations, and post-lab analysis and assessments.

Time Requirements
Three to four 45- to 60-minute periods.

Learning Objectives
Students will:

• Construct an accurate pedigree across multiple generations.
• Modify a pedigree using genetic testing data.
• Perform gel electrophoresis that simulates a genetic testing laboratory test and analysis of family member samples.
• Generalize genetic testing procedures and the consequences of the results to a variety of examples.
• Describe cancer as a multistep process that includes the accumulation of multiple mutations.
• Explain the role of caretaker genes in the development of cancer.
• Role-play a genetic counselor communicating genetic testing results to an affected family member.
• Discuss the ethical dilemmas that arise from genetic testing.

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