Work

Case-Study Investigation of Equine Maternity via PCR-RFLP: A Biochemistry Laboratory Experiment

Year: 2013

Type: article

Abstract: A simple and robust biochemistry laboratory experiment is described that uses restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products to verify the identity of a potentially valuable horse. During the first laboratory period, students purify DNA from equine samples and amplify two loci of mitochondrial DNA. During the second laboratory period, students digest PCR products with restriction enzymes and analyze the fragment sizes through agarose gel electrophoresis. An optional step of validating DNA extracts through realtime PCR can expand the experiment to three weeks. This experiment, which has an engaging and versatile scenario, provides students with exposure to key principles and techniques of molecular biology, bioinformatics, and evolution in a forensic context.

Source: Journal of Chemical Education

DOI: 10.1021/ed300740r

Authors: Julie T. Millard, Edward Chuang, James S. Lucas, Erzsebet E. Nagy, Griffin T. Davis

Institution: Colby College

Language: English

Topic: Various Chemistry Research Topics

Subfield: Physical and Theoretical Chemistry

Field: Chemistry

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Quality education

Open Access status: green

Funders: Colby College, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of General Medical Sciences, National Center for Research Resources