miniPCR® Dye Electrophoresis Lab: Cat Genetics

A purr-fect introduction to genetics!

• An engaging and accessible introduction to gel electrophoresis
• Safe, non-toxic dyes that are directly visible without gel staining
• Pre-aliquoted samples and premeasured agarose tablets for easy prep
• Gel electrophoresis reagents included: TBE electrophoresis buffer and 8 Agarose Tabs™
• Compatible with Bandit™, blueGel™, and other gel electrophoresis systems
• A low-cost jumping-off point to explore genetics and biotechnology

This dye electrophoresis lab offers students an opportunity to link traditional Mendelian genetics with our modern understanding of genes and inheritance. Students use Punnett squares to track the inheritance of one trait in a family of cats, then use gel electrophoresis to connect their predictions to our modern understanding of genes and DNA. This lab serves as a fun and engaging introduction to DNA analysis and gel electrophoresis.

Supplied by user:
- Distilled or deionized H₂O (to dissolve TBE buffer)
- Gel electrophoresis system (lab is compatible with Bandit™, blueGel™, or other gel electrophoresis systems)
- Variable volume micropipettes, or fixed-volume minipettes and tips

Required equipment:
- Micropipettes and tips
- Gel electrophoresis system (e.g., Bandit™, blueGel™, or other gel electrophoresis systems)

Storage notes:
- Reagents must be used within 12 months of shipment
- Agarose and buffer can be stored at room temperature
- Refrigeration is recommended for blue dye samples to prevent evaporation

Accessories information: The learning lab companion kit (catalog no. 470352-026) contains all the consumables (except water) needed for a class of 32 students. These reagents and consumables can also be sourced independently.

Delivery information: This lab kit provides enough reagents for eight lab groups: 8 Load Ready™ Strips (tube strips containing pre-aliquoted dye samples); TBE electrophoresis buffer; 8 Agarose Tabs™.