This module allows students to amplify chloroplast DNA using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The length of the fragments produced can be used to infer evolutionary relationships.

ABOUT THIS MODULE

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is one of the most important and powerful methods in molecular biology. It enables millions of copies of specific DNA sequences to be made easily and quickly. The technique and variations of it are used extensively in medicine, in molecular genetics and in pure research.

This practical kit provides materials for the simple extraction of chloroplast DNA from plant tissue, its amplification by the PCR, and gel electrophoresis of the PCR product. Students can use plants of their choice and identify possible evolutionary relationships between different species. This mirrors the molecular methods used in modern plant taxonomy. This activity presents an ideal opportunity for open-ended investigations by individual students or groups.

This protocol was developed in association with Science and Plants for Schools.

MODULE CONTENTS

The module contains the consumable materials for the extraction, amplification, and gel electrophoresis of 16 chloroplast DNA samples plus one negative control. The kit includes:

• 4 plant DNA extraction (FTA) cards
• 4 punches and cutting boards
• Reagents needed for extracting plant DNA
• Disposable microcentrifuge tubes
• 2 floating tube holders
• Primers for the PCR
• 17 ‘Ready-to-Go’ PCR reaction beads
• 1 fixed-volume 20 µL Minipipet
• 1 mL syringes and graduated tips
• 8 sheets of carbon fibre electrode material, 10 cm x 10 cm
• 2 g DNA electrophoresis-grade agarose
• 50 mL TBE buffer (10x concentrate)
• 8 x 1.5 mL bromophenol blue loading dye
• 25 µg 1 kb DNA ‘ruler’
• 50 mL Azure A stain for DNA (2x concentrate)
• 8 copies of the Student’s guide (full colour)
• Teacher’s guide

YOU WILL ALSO NEED

• A Base Unit, with electrophoresis tanks, combs and microsyringes
• A 36 V mains transformer
• A thermal cycler or three thermostatically-controlled water baths

REPLACEMENT ITEMS

For a full list of replacement items, including Students’ booklets, please refer to the Spare parts web page.

Please note that once you have a Base Unit, the most cost-effective option is probably to buy the Investigating plant evolution module rather than individual replacement items.

THE PCR AND PLANT EVOLUTION MODULE

The PCR and plant evolution module .....£155.00 (GBP)

ORDERING

All of the prices on this page are in GBP and do not include Value Added Tax (VAT). This tax applies within the European Union only. Postage and handling must also be paid on orders from outside the United Kingdom. Details of how to order are given on the price list and on the Ordering web page.

Please note: For legal reasons, we cannot accept orders by eMail.

 

Electrophoresis modules

The Lambda protocol
Nature’s dice
Plant evolution PCR
Protein power!

Electrophoresis resources

Base unit
36 V mains transformer
Microcentrifuge
Micropipettes
Spare parts

Other DNA items

Bacterial transformation kit
DNA pendant kit

DOWNLOADABLE PDFs

NCBE Price list
DNA safety advice (UK)

Instructions

Teacher’s guide
Student’s guide

 

PRESENTATIONS

PowerPoint presentation
Keynote presentation