AP Biology No. 9: Restriction Enzyme Analysis

In this lab students will understand the action and specificity of restriction enzymes, while learning the components involved in the process of DNA electrophoresis and the role of each component as it applies to the entire process of electrophoresis. Students will perform the electrophoresis process on DNA samples treated with different restriction enzymes and construct a standard curve using a known DNA sample while determining the approximate size of the DNA fragments in unknown samples. Meets AP Science Practices 3 and 6, and

Big Idea 3. Materials provided for eight lab groups.

Aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)*

Kit Includes:

• 200mL Prepared Agarose, 0.8%
• 500mL TBE buffer, 5X
• 60mL DNA Stain, 20X
• DNA Samples, 100ul each:
• DNA Marker (Lambda DNA HindIII digest)
• Sample #1 (Lambda DNA)
• Sample #2 (Lambda DNA BstEII digest)
• Sample #3 (Lambda DNA EcoRI digest)
• Sample #4 (Lambda DNA BstEII digest)

Materials Needed but not Supplied:

• Agarose electrophoresis chamber Microwave or hot water bath
• Electrophoresis power supply Distilled or deionized water
• Micropipettes w/micropipette tips, 10?l
• Gel staining trays or similar (large enough container to accommodate flat agarose gels)

Regulatory Note: Non Regulated

*”Next Generation Science Standards” is a registered trademark of Achieve. Neither Achieve nor the lead states and partners that developed the Next Generation Science Standards was involved in the production of, and does not endorse, this product.

WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects and reproductive harm.  For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.