Equipment and materials | DNA | Bacterial transformation

Genetic modification is an essential technique in research, medicine and plant breeding. Its is also one of the most contentious fields of modern biology.

ABOUT THIS KIT

This practical kit provides:

a safe practical demonstration that DNA really is the genetic material;
practical experience of one of the key techniques used in genetic modification;
an opportunity to understand and carry out basic microbiological techniques;
a concrete context for a structured discussion of some of the ethical, social and safety issues associated with genetic modification;
an opportunity for students to plan and carry out practical investigations of their own.

KIT CONTENTS

The kit contains sufficient materials for 16 students working in pairs.

Sterile, full-size Petri dishes (20)
1 fixed-volume 10 µL ‘Mini Pipet’ with sterile tips
Microcentrifuge tube rack
Sterile LB broth and transformation buffer, with sterile syringes to dispense it
LB agar tablets and microwavable medium containing X-Gal and kanamycin
Colour-coded 1.5 mL microcentrifuge tubes (32)
A slope culture of E. coli (K-12 strain)
Sterile ‘Pastette’ dispensers (32)
Sterile inoculation loops (8)
Sterile spreaders (16)
Photocopy master for ethical role play
Student’s guide and PowerPoint presentation on CD
Full-colour teacher’s guide
Full-colour technician’s guide

Please note that the sterile ‘Pastette’ dispensers, inoculation loops and spreaders are single use plastic items. They are not autoclavable and cannot be re-used.

YOU WILL ALSO NEED

Lab facilities suitable for microbiology, including bunsen burners and laboratory coats
An incubator that can be set to 37 °C
An autoclave
Waste pots and disinfectant, such as 'Virkon'

REPLACEMENT ITEMS

The following replacement parts are available for the Bacterial Transformation Kit:

E. coli K-12 DH5alpha18 (slope culture) ..... £10.00 (GBP)
p2K plasmid DNA (100 µL) ..... £12.00 (GBP)
Kanamycin/X-Gal/LB agar (1 sachet + 8 LB agar tablets - as in kit) ..... £16.00 (GBP)

BACTERIAL TRANSFORMATION KIT

Bacterial transformation kit ....£70.00 (GBP)

DESPATCH

Because the plasmid DNA in this kit should be stored frozen, and the culture refrigerated, kits will be dispatched by first class post, Monday-Thursday only.

Please note that for safety reasons this kit is not generally available outside the UK (please enquire for details).

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.