Biology Educational Materials

What is genetic engineering?

How Do Bacteria Turn On And Turn Off Genes?

Study Genetic Variants in Fruit Flies

Should Jenny Get Tested For Huntington's Disease?

This simulation experiment demonstrates the value of mitochondrial and chromosomal DNA testing for genetic identification.

A basic introduction to DNA.

Learn the basics of DNA sequencing and sequence homology with this lab activity.

Visualize the DNA you eat every day.

In this colorful experiment, students will explore the biological process of bacterial transformation using vibrant chromogenic proteins.

For centuries, humans have used selective breeding and conventional hybridization to produce desirable qualities and to increase crop yields. Today, scientists use genetic engineering to directly manipulate the DNA, quickly producing these desirable traits. In this experiment, students will use agarose gel electrophoresis to explore the molecular methods used by scientists to identify genetically modified organisms. No thermal cycler is required. Students are also encouraged to explore the controversy surrounding the use of genetically modified organisms.

The DNA Playground™ is a heating and cooling all-in-one unit with touch controls and sensors.

Explore the genetics and molecular biology of sickle cell disease.

Students use color-coded pop beads to visualize the structure of amino acid chains with this kit.

Using penicillin-impregnated discs on two plates, students grow one lawn each of two common, naturally occurring pathogen bacteria.

These bundles are everything you need to perform agarose gel electrophoresis.

Students investigate the inheritance of the ability to taste sodium benzoate by constructing a pedigree of the ability of members of their family to taste them. Includes: 1 vial sodium benzoate, 1 vial control papers (100 papers per vial), and a family pedigree chart. *Test Paper Factoid: Taste papers can be used to demonstrate inheritance. The ability to taste PTC is a hereditary trait. 7 out of 10 people will taste it. Sodium Benzoate tastes sweet, salty, bitter or will be tasteless to different people. Thiourea tastes bitter to most but is tasteless to some!