California Career and Technical Education Standards

• HSMT.A.A3.1 Understand recombinant DNA, genetic engineering, monoclonal antibody production,...
• HSMT.FS.5.3 Use critical thinking skills to make informed decisions and solve problems.
• HSMT.FS.6.2 Understand critical elements for health and safety practices related to storing,...
• HSMT.FS.7.1 Understand the qualities and behaviors that constitute a positive and profession...
• HSMT.FS.8.3 Understand the role of personal integrity and ethical behavior in the workplace.

California Academic Content Standards (Reinforced)

• ELA.9-10.R.CAGT.2.5 Extend ideas presented in primary or secondary sources through original analysis...3
• ELA.9-10.R.CAGT.2.6 Demonstrate use of sophisticated learning tools by following technical direction...2
• ELA.9-10.R.VCD.1.1 Identify and use the literal and figurative meanings of words and understand wor...55

• Activity #1 - Hooks / Set

  As students come in, hand them the DNA crossword puzzle. Give them around five minutes to answer the puzzle. Afterwards,discuss the answers  and use the terms in the crossword puzzle to connect the lesson to gel electrophoresis.

  • DNA Crossword [ Go to Site ] This crossword puzzle reviews students on the basic DNA terms.
• Discussion on Gel Electrophoresis - Demo / Modeling

  Show them how gel electrophoresis is done step-by-step using the virtual lab. Afterwards,ask a volunteer to try to use the technique virtually. This prepares them for the actual lab.

  • Gel Electrophoresis Virtual Lab [ Go to Site ] This virtual lab shows step-by-step how DNA is separated into fragments using the gel electrophoresis technique. It also allows students or the teacher to practice processing the DNA virtually.
• Discussion on DNA Fingerprinting - Lecture

  Using the powerpoint presentation, discuss with them what DNA fingerprinting is, the stages and its uses  in preparation for the lab that they will perform. This gives the students an idea on its real world application.

  • What is DNA Profiling? [ Go to Site ] This power point defines what DNA Profiling or Fingerprinting is, the stages and its uses. It even includes a discussion on famous cases that used this technique.
• DNA Fingerprinting Lab - Lab / Shop

  Use BioRad's DNA Fingerprinting Kit # 166007EDU  for this lab. The scenario in this lab is that a crime was committed and the students have to find out who is reponsible using DNA evidence. There are five suspects and they have to process their DNA using gel electrophoresis. Remind them about the lab safety rules before starting with the lab.

  • Materials and Equipment Needed [ Download ] This is a list of materials and equipment needed to perform restriction digestion of DNA, gel electrophoresis and the analysis of results.
  • Advance Prep [ Download ] This section describes the advance preparation that you need to do before each lesson.
  • Procedure [ Download ] This is a step-by-step procedure with illustrations on how to do restriction digestion, agarose gel electrophoresis and staining. Each lesson needs approximately one 57 minute period
  • Lab Questions [ Download ] This is the worksheet that students will answer after the lab.
  • Lab Answers [ Download ] This is the answer key to the student worksheet.
  • Lab Safety Rules [ Go to Site ] These are lab safety rules that students should keep in mind as they perform the lab.