Using PCR to Amplify a Gene
In this virtual lab, a user performs a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to amplify an individual’s GENE X to determine whether they have 2 copies of the full-length gene or 2 copies of the mutated version of the gene, GENE XΔ. This lab is designed at an introductory level and emphasizes the reagents and steps necessary for PCR. Prior knowledge of DNA structure, micropipetting, and gel electrophoresis is helpful.
Topics
- PCR
- polymerase chain reaction
- DNA polymerase
- amplify
- region of interest
- template DNA
- template
- Taq DNA polymerase
- primers
- forward primer
- reverse primer
- thermocycler
- anneal
- denature
- denatured
- elongate
- annealing temperature
- denaturation temperature
- elongation temperature
- gel electrophoresis
- agarose gel
- protocol simulation
- virtual lab simulation
- mutation
- deletion mutation
- deletion
- melting temperature
- experiment
- PCR product
- deoxyribonucleoside triphosphates
- dNTPs
- reaction buffer
- DNase-free water
- controls
- positive control
- negative control
- DNA ladder
- master mix
- extracted human DNA
- PPE
- personal protective equipment
- PCR sample
- pipette
- micropipette
- PCR tubes
- primer dimer