STEM Learning: STEM Kits
A range of easy to use kits for PCR, gel electrophoresis and other molecular biology techniques especially designed for budding school students, in schools, 6th form colleges and other educational institutes.
miniPCR Sleep Lab™ – Lark or Owl?
In this lab students will test their own genotypes at the circadian clock gene Per3 locus that has been associated with sleep behavior preferences in humans. Students will assess their own Per3 genotypes using PCR and gel electrophoresis, while also assessing their sleep phenotypes through a simple circadian questionnaire, with the ultimate goal of learning about circadian clocks and the study of genetic associations
MiniPCR - Amplyus
| Catalogue No. | Description | Pack Size | Price | Qty |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MP-KT-1005-01 | miniPCR Sleep Lab™ – Lark or Owl? | kit | £70.00 | Quantity | Add to Order |
miniPCR Sleep Lab™ – Lark or Owl?
In this lab students will test their own genotypes at the circadian clock gene Per3 locus that has been associated with sleep behavior preferences in humans. Students will assess their own Per3 genotypes using PCR and gel electrophoresis, while also assessing their sleep phenotypes through a simple circadian questionnaire, with the ultimate goal of learning about circadian clocks and the study of genetic associations
MiniPCR - Amplyus
Description
Nobel winning science: 2017 Nobel Prize for Medicine or Physiology forcircadian clocks research.
Are you a night owl? Or a morning lark? The answer may be in your genes…
This lab allows students to test their own genotypes at the circadian clock gene Per3 locus that has been associated with sleep behavior preferences in humans. The coding region of this gene contains a VNTR (variable number tandem repeat) that is polymorphic (variable) across individuals. Different variants of this VNTR inPer3 have been associated witha preference for evening or morning activity, that is whether you are a morning or evening type.
In this lab students will get to assess their own Per3 genotypes using PCR and gel electrophoresis, while also assessing their sleep phenotypes by answering a questionnaire about their circadian preferences.
You will participate in an authentic open inquiry investigation on the genetic underpinnings of sleep, and have a chance to contribute data to a citizen science database of sleep genotypes and phenotypes.
"We just ran the gels this morning and the results were amazing! Every single one of my students had a good extraction and PCR (I don’t think I have done a lab yet where 100% of human DNA is extracted.)My students said it was their favorite lab they have done all year! —Jill Ronstadt,Orange Lutheran High School, CA. "
This Learning Lab is aligned with National Standards and AP Biology objectives. It utilizes
the following molecular genetic techniques and analyses:
- DNA extraction from cheek cells
- PCR amplification of human genomic DNA
- DNA gel electrophoresis analysis of VNTRs
- Statistical analysis of genetic data
The miniPCR Sleep Lab™kit contains reagents for 8 lab groups of 4 students each (32 students):
- X-Tract™DNA extraction buffer
- 5X EZ PCR Master Mix, Load-Ready™
- SleepLab Primer Mix
- 100 bp DNA ladder
Please note:
- These reagents require frozen storage.
- Microtubes,PCR tubes, and electrophoresis reagents sold separately (or select the option above for Lab Companion Kitadd-on)
Free miniPCR Learning Lab™downloads:
- miniPCR Sleep Lab™Instructor Guide
- miniPCR Sleep Lab™StudentGuide
- miniPCR Sleep Lab™ Data Analysis Table (AP level resource)
- miniPCR Sleep Lab™Classroom Slides
Optional: Lab Companion Kit
Add all the consumables you need for a class of 32 students: microtubes (50), PCR tubes (100), agarose (10 blueGel Tabs x 0.4 g ea.), 20X TBE electrophoresis buffer (30 ml), and GelGreen™ DNA stain, 10,000X (20 µl).
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