Explore the principles and applications of PCR by amplifying specific genes or gene segments.
Kit Description
These kits contain the equipment necessary to run any of our (or other) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) labs. These labs include PTC Taster, GMO, VNTR, Mussel (versions 1 and 2), and Alu Inserts. These kits do NOT contain any micropipettes or materials necessary to perform gel electrophoresis analysis of your PCR results, nor do they contain the reagents or consumables needed to run the PCR labs—those must be requested separately via our PCR Supplies Only request form.
SEP has two types of PCR kits: MiniOne PCR and Edvocycler.
MiniOne PCR
- SEP has four MiniOne PCR Kits (One located in Pullman).
- Each kit contains*:
- Three MiniOne PCR machines (which hold 16 tubes each)
- Three Amazon Fire tablets to control the machines
- One heat block for incubation steps in the DNA extractions and enzyme digestion protocol (PTC)
- Mini PCR racks (8), centrifuge adaptors (16), microtube caplocks (40)
Edvocycler
- SEP has one Edvocycler PCR Kit
- Each kit contains*:
- One Edvocycler 2 PCR machine (holds 48 samples)
- One heat block for incubation steps in the DNA extractions and enzyme digestion protocol (PTC)
- Mini PCR racks (8), centrifuge adaptors (16), microtube caplocks (40)
- In addition to the kit, SEP teachers must request PCR Supplies Only for PCR consumables and reagents. Labs are designed for 8 groups of 4 students (32 students total). Make sure to tell us if your class is significantly different in size.
*In addition to a PCR kit, SEP teachers must request PCR Supplies Only for consumables and reagents. SEP PCR labs are designed for 8 groups of 4 students (32 students total). Make sure to tell us if your class is significantly different in size.
Check out the inventory sheets to see what's inside a MiniOne PCR Kit or Edvocycler Kit.
Curriculum and Units Supported by the PCR Kit
PTC Taster
In this lesson, students will predict their phenylthiocarbamide (PTC) Taster Gene status using a bitter food quiz and then analyze their own DNA from cheek cells using PCR looking for the presence of the TAS2R38 gene variant that makes them able to taste bitterness.
Alu Insert PCR
In this lab, students will analyze their own DNA from cheek cells for the presence of an Alu insert called PV92, a small non-coding sequence of DNA, within a specific location on chromosome 16. Alu inserts are a region of your non-coding DNA that is either present or absent in an individual’s genome.
Variable Number Tandem Repeat (VNTR) PCR
In this lab, students will analyze their own DNA from cheek cells, looking at the region of a specific Variable Number Tandem Repeat (VNTR) called D1S80.
Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) PCR
In this lab, students will analyze various food items containing corn for the presence of a well known GMO gene that codes for resistance to glyphosate, a popular herbicide, using multiplexed PCR.
Invasive Mussel PCR
In this lab, students will analyze mussel DNA to determine whether the mussel is a species native to the Pacific Northwest or an invasive species by detecting the presence or absence of an adhesive protein gene found in the invasive species.
Kit Sign Up Process
Note: Please give us a minimum of two weeks’ advance notice so we can process your request.
1. Complete Online Demographic Form (only needs to be done once, skip if already filled out) Estimated numbers are OK.
2. Fill out the School-Year Kit Request Form for a PCR kit, and if needed, a PCR Supplies-Only Request Form:
Please note: SEP opens School Year requests once we have processed all requests from the Fall Kick Off event, around Oct 1.
3: Confirmation Email: Once we have your items scheduled, we will send a preliminary email summarizing your items and dates for pick up and drop off.