Mussel PCR Lab

Mussels

Overview

The Mussel PCR Lab involves identifying native and non-native saltwater mussel species using genomic techniques. Students will investigate: How can we distinguish between invasive and local mussels species? They will learn that invasive species pose a major threat to biodiversity, especially in marine environments where their spread can go undetected until ecological damage has occurred. In particular, the Mediterranean mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis) is becoming established in the Pacific Northwest where it competes with the native Pacific Blue Mussel (Mytilus trossulus) for habitat and resources.

A stakeholder scenario about mussels in the San Juan Islands (Washington state) is provided. Students will play the role of members of a research team to analyze mussel samples collected from local waters or purchased from shellfish farms to determine if they are an invasive species. During a multi-day lab, students will use laboratory skills including micropipetting, tissue sampling, DNA isolation, preparing PCR solution, making agarose gels, and interpreting gel electrophoresis results.

This is a draft curriculum unit that is currently being field tested. It is based on the Invasive Mussel Project lab. As a work-in-progress, this unit is not fully developed; however early sharing allows us to solicit feedback to help us revise these materials and develop additional activities and instructional supports. Additional resources will be posted when available. We welcome your feedback: sep@fredhutch.org. 

Funding Sources:

Dean Witter Foundation

Details:
  • Intro Biology, Advanced Biology, AP Biology, Biotechnology
  • AP Environmental Science, Ecology
  • 4 Lesson Plans
  • In Classroom
SEP kits needed to teach unit:
  • Gel electrophoresis kit (MiniOne or Horizon)
  • MiniOne PCR Kit
  • Mussel PCR Lab Accessory Kit (oyster knives, scalpels, glass slides, etc.) - Coming Fall 2026!

*Note that fresh or frozen saltwater mussels must also be purchased for the lab

Unit Overview Materials

Teacher Lesson Plan
Teacher Slide Deck

Lessons

Intro to the Invasive Mussel Project

Research an invasive species and share your findings in a jigsaw activity. Identify environmental, economic and cultural impacts of invasive species by creating a balance model.

Includes:

  • Student Handout 1.1 - Invasive Species Background Info
  • Student Handout 1.2 - Invasive Species Jigsaw

Mussel Mix-Up Scenario

Learn about saltwater mussels. Read a stakeholder scenario set in the San Juan Islands of Washington state to understand the importance of using genomic lab techniques to identify native and invasive mussel species.

Includes:

  • Student Handout 2.1 - Mussels Background Reading
  • Student Handout 2.2 - San Juan Islands Scenario

Wet Lab

Open a mussel shell, sample the mantle tissue and prepare a DNA extraction. Then, conduct PCR and gel electrophoresis analysis to determine the species of your mussel. A Student Guide is provided for the lab activities but the Teacher Guide is still under development.

Includes:

  • Mussel PCR Lab - Student Guide
  • Mussel PCR Lab - Teacher Guide (forthcoming)
  • Sample Gel Result Images (forthcoming)

Stakeholder Discussion and Conclusion (Under development)

Analyze and discuss the results of the gel lab in consideration of the Stakeholder Scenario. Did you identify a native, invasive, or hybrid species? What do these findings mean for the stakeholders? Develop an action project related to the prevention or management of invasive species. Student materials to support this lesson are forthcoming. A student feedback survey is provided for field testing classrooms.

Contains:

  • Mussel PCR Lab Student Feedback Survey

SEP Teachers-Only Quick Links

These links are for SEP teachers who are part of the kit loan program. To become a part of the kit loan program you must complete the 3 week professional development program.