Description
This lab demonstrates the power molecular techniques bring to managing infectious disease outbreaks. Students act as healthcare providers, diagnosing four patients who have arrived at their clinics complaining of flu-like symptoms. Students will use gel electrophoresis to discern whether their patients are suffering from seasonal flu or a new and dangerous emerging virus. This exercise reinforces how molecular tools allow healthcare providers to diagnose hard-to-distinguish infections.
This case-based lab offers an engaging, real-world scenario in which students will learn the fundamental principles underlying DNA analysis. Students will conduct gel electrophoresis on PCR-amplified DNA samples to learn how infectious agents may be identified through DNA fragment size analysis. For more advanced students, an optional extension offers an introduction to DNA sequence analysis and its applications in epidemiology.
- Techniques: Micropipetting, gel electrophoresis
- Time required: Can be completed in a 45-minute class period
- Reagents needed: Viral Diagnostics Lab (this product); electrophoresis reagents (available separately)
- Required skill level: Intended for any student seeking basic familiarity with DNA gel electrophoresis and micropipetting, from middle school to college
The miniPCR Viral Diagnostics Lab kit contains reagents for 8 lab groups of up to 4 students each (32 students):
- 4 patient DNA samples
- 1 control DNA sample
- 1 tube of DNA molecular weight marker (Fast DNA Ladder 1)
- Reagents are compatible with blueGel™ or other standard DNA electrophoresis systems
Please note:
- These reagents require frozen storage.
- Microtubes and electrophoresis reagents sold separately.
Product documentation:
Free Learning Lab™ downloads:
- Coming soon
Contact team@minipcr.com for answers key.
