Fish Evolution
Overview and concepts
Overview
What connections exist between proteins and genes and figuring out evolutionary relationships?
Students will use SDS-PAGE to analyze different fish proteins. Analysis of proteins will be used to predict
evolutionary relationships among different fish.
Grade level
AP / Advanced
Concepts covered
Evolutionary Biology, genetics, gene sequencing, evolution, phylogenic trees
Prior knowledge required:
Worksheet provided with background information.
Activity notes
Time frame
 2 Days
Materials
Vertical dual PAGE chamber
Power supplies
WARD’s Genetic Distance Lab kit 36 V 5333
Five different fish samples
Lab handout (see attached files)
Teaching Tips
 Introduce “Finding Nemo’s Relatives” Lab and give brief instructions.
 Students should work with a partner. Send students back to lab tables to begin lab.
 Assist students as needed during lab.
 Assign reading about using SDS-PAGE.
 Assign questions in lab for homework.
Assessment
Evaluate student answers to lab questions.
Resources
Vertical dual PAGE chamber
Power supplies
WARD’s Genetic Distance Lab kit 36 V 5333
Five different fish samples
Acknowledgments
Tara Flick produced these teacher notes and resources.