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.

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, 10µl
Gel staining trays or similar (large enough container to accommodate flat agarose gels)