Practice Gel Electophoresis Activity: Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Overview and concepts
Overview
This activity will be used to introduce the students to the proper use of pipettes, loading of dyes and reading of
electrophoresis gels. This activity could be used as a paper activity without the gel lab if need be.
Grade level
9, 10
Concepts covered
pipetting, gel electrophoresis
Prior background
Genetics, genes, DNA
Activity notes
Time frame
 Entire Activity: 1-2 days
Materials
“Use of Micropipettors” handout
Micropipettors
“Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Medical Case” handout
Gel electrophoresis equipment,
DMD Medical Case supplies: Carolina: 217075m 219027. Wards 945 V 7306, 944 V 6501, Fisher Scientific
AC42269-0050. $102.70
Teaching tips
 Introduce the activity.
 Divide students into groups.
 Students practice using micropipettes with attached protocol. Be sure to monitor student
understanding and micropipette use.
 Students perform “Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Medical Case” activity
Assessment:
Pre assessment: a pre-quiz will be given at the start of the biotech unit.
Post: A test will be given at the end of the unit with gel results and questions pertaining to them.
Resources
 Modern Genetics for All Students: http://www.so.wustl.edu/teachers/graduate/modern_genetics Chapter 3, section E
Acknowledgements:
This lesson was written by Amy McGough. It incorporates an activity protocol originally found in Modern
Genetics for All Students and later adapted by Tara Flick and Elizabeth Rice for the Bioinformatics Professional
Develop Seminar at Franklin & Marshall College.