Colorful Electrophoresis

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In this activity, learners follow step-by-step instructions to build a gel electrophoresis chamber using inexpensive materials from local hardware and electronic stores. Then, learners follow instructions to simulate DNA electrophoresis using food colors from the kitchen pantry.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
2 to 4 hours
Learning Time:
45 to 60 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
Over $20 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 11 - 18
Resource Types:
Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan, Simulation
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • Electrophoresis chamber, gel form and comb
  • Power supply that produces 50-150 volts
  • Agar granules
  • Salt solution
  • Commercial food colors
  • Filter paper circles (cut out with hole punch)
  • Tweezers
  • Masking tape
  • Water

Keywords

Subjects

  • Engineering and Technology
    • Engineering
      • Bioengineering/Biomedical Engineering
  • Life Sciences
    • Heredity and Genetics
      • DNA Structure and Function
  • Physical Sciences
    • Electricity and Magnetism
      • Electric Charges and Currents
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations

Informal Categories

  • Food and Cooking

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • see color
  • read
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Components that are part of this resource:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • Genetic Science Learning Center, University of Utah

Source Collection

  • Teach.Genetics

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, University of Utah, 2012