Unit: Biotechnology
Course: Molecular Biology
Materials: worksheets (DNA extraction, Creating Primers, PCR Procedure, mtDNA
Comparisons), computers with Internet access, materials for DNA extraction (saline
solution, plastic cups, 1.5 ml tubes, micropipettes, microcentrifuge, 10% Chelex
solution, boiling water), materials for PCR (micropipettes, Ready-To-Go PCR tubes,
Ready-To-Go PCR Beads, DI water, forward primer, reverse primer, DNA sample,
microcentrifuge, thermocycler, vortex machine (not essential)
Objectives:
 Students will understand the purpose of materials needed for DNA
extraction.
 Students will be able to describe the process of PCR.
 Students will be able to work with online genomic databases and tools to
choose appropriate primers for a PCR reaction.
 Students will be able to recognize good primers for PCR reactions and
explain what makes a primer a “good” primer.
 Students will compare mtDNA sequences, noting differences (mutations)
and make conclusions of relatedness based on the number of mutations.
PA Standards:
 3.3C Describe and explain gene inheritance and expression at the
molecular level.
 3.3D Explain and analyze the mechanisms of the theory of evolution.
 3.7D Utilize and evaluate computer software to solve specific problems.
Timeline:
Day 1 – DNA Extraction
PCR
Day 2 – PCR lecture
Creating Primers
Day 3 - mtDNA Comparison *
*Will be ~ 1 week after PCR procedure to give time for DNA to be sent off and
sequences returned.