Description

Overview: In this advanced lab, students will design and run a restriction enzyme digest to identify two unknown plasmids based on provided plasmid maps.

Curriculum Connections: enzymes, DNA structure, DNA function, plasmid mapping, restriction enzyme analysis, gel electrophoresis

Experimental Timing: From start to finish this lab takes 90-120 minutes. However, there are many good stopping points in this protocol that make it possible to complete the lab in a series of 45-50 minute periods.  For additional information, see "Instructor Planning Guide" in the Teacher Materials.

Specialized Equipment Required: p20 micropipettes • water bath or incubator • gel electrophoresis units with power supplies (each student group will run 4 samples plus a ladder) • UV or blue light source • centrifuge (optional)