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Bring bioinformatics to the classroom in an accessible manner. Students use "DNA barcodes"—short, unique DNA sequences—to learn about the biodiversity of plants, mammals, fish, or insects. Using PCR on specific regions of the rbcL or COI gene, students amplify their extracted DNA to create unique barcodes. These amplified sequences are then submitted for sequencing and can be analyzed using an online tool, DNA Subway. Kit contains enough materials for 25 DNA extractions and PCR reactions.

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

Explore evolution and taxonomy in molecular biology by bringing bioinformatics to the classroom in an accessible manner. Students take a new approach to taxonomy using "DNA barcodes"—short, unique DNA sequences—to learn about the biodiversity of plants, mammals, fish, or insects. Using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on specific regions of the rbcL or COI gene, students amplify their extracted DNA to create unique barcodes. These amplified sequences (amplicons) are then submitted for sequencing and can be analyzed using a custom-designed online tool, DNA Subway. Designed, tested, and updated with the classroom in mind, the revised protocol saves time and delivers robust results.

Product Features

• Students perform DNA extraction and amplification only
• Samples can be sequenced and analyzed using a custom-designed online tool
• Sufficient materials for 25 DNA extractions and PCR reactions
• Includes voucher to request delivery of the perishable materials at a later date
• Unlock the barcodes of even more organisms by purchasing the Fungal Primer Set (item #211388, sold separately)
• Included paper model activity simulates cycles of polymerase chain reactions
• A complete visual lab procedure complements the written protocol
• Resource section connects the kit activities to authentic lab techniques, real-world careers, historical perspectives, and more
• Kit content and the skills used by students during the investigations support the obtaining of BCSI biotechnology micro-credentials
• Provides an NGSS phenomena activity and aligns to science and engineering practices and crosscutting concepts

Note: Kit includes a voucher to request perishable materials later at your convenience. Contact Carolina or return the voucher to request delivery of perishables.

Time Requirement
Two to three 60- to 90-min class periods.

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

Learning Objectives
Students will:

• Collect and analyze sequence data from plants or animals—or from products from them
• Use DNA sequences to identify organisms
• Explore relationships between species

Methods for Biological Research Used in the Kit

• Collect plants, animals, or products from them in the local environment or neighborhood
• Extract and purify DNA from tissue or processed material
• Amplify a specific region of the chloroplast or mitochondrial genome by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
• Use the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) to identify sequences in databases
• Use multiple-sequence alignment and tree-building tools to analyze phylogenetic relationships

Connection to the Next Generation Science Standards*
Science and Engineering Practices

• Asking Questions and Defining Problems
• Analyzing and Interpreting Data

Crosscutting Concepts

• Patterns
• Stability and Change

*Next Generation Science Standards® is a registered trademark of WestEd. Neither WestEd nor the lead states and partners that developed the Next Generation Science Standards were involved in the production of this product, and do not endorse it.