Modes of DNA Analysis: Extraction, Electrophoresis, PCR, and Microarray
Overview and concepts
Overview
Students will develop an understanding of available technologies that assist in analyzing DNA. Students
will work virtually though the processes of DNA extraction, PCR, Gel electrophoresis, and DNA
microarrays. Virtual extraction and electrophoresis labs will be used to show students the process
before they actually do the process themselves. The PCR and DNA microarray labs will show students
other ways in which information can be gained from DNA even though there is not equipment to do the
processes in the classroom.
Grade level
Grade 10
Concepts covered
Genomics, DNA extraction, DNA microarray, Gel Electrophoresis, PCR
Prior knowledge required:
DNA, gene, nucleic acid
Activity notes
Time frame
 3.5 days (80 minute periods)
Materials
 Laptops
 Lab Supplies for extraction & electrophoresis
 Handouts: DNA in a Necklace and PCR Analysis (see attached documents)
Teaching Tips
 Students work in pairs to complete online labs and in class labs. Conduct a class discussion of results
of labs and implications of the technologies on society.
 Teaching sequence:
1. DNA extraction virtual lab (http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/units/activities/extraction/)
2. DNA extraction from cheek cells lab to create a DNA necklace ; use “DNA in a Necklace”
handout.
3. PCR reading (http://people.ku.edu/~jbrown/pcr.html) and DNA PCR intro video
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fsVeK1d2O9E) ; use “PCR Analysis” handout.
4. DNA PCR virtual lab (http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/labs/pcr/). Conduct a
discussion of the benefits of having this technology.
5. Gel Electrophoresis virtual lab – practice for the real thing
(http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/labs/gel/)
6. Have students do a real gel electrophoresis lab. See DNA Analysis using Gel Electrophoresis
(http://teachingbioinformatics.fandm.edu/node/25) for lab options.
7. DNA microarray virtual lab (http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/labs/microarray/) .
Students should do chapters 1 & 2 to learn about microarrays. Students can complete
chapter 3 for extra credit.
 Closure: Discussion of technologies used to understand information available from and provided by
DNA.
Extensions
 Assignment of a project in which students research a biotechnology.
Resources
 DNA Extraction Virtual Lab: Genetic Science Learning Center’s “How to Extract DNA from Any Living
Thing” http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/units/activities/extraction/
 PCR reading: http://people.ku.edu/~jbrown/pcr.html
 DNA PCR intro video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fsVeK1d2O9E
 BioRad’s “Genes in a bottle” (http://www.bio-rad.com/cmc_upload/Literature/54133/4110034B.pdf),
by Jennifer Doherty and Dr. Ingrid Waldron, Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, 2007
Acknowledgments
Kathryn Miller created this lesson plan. It is based on and adapted from the Genetic Science Learning
Center’s “How to Extract DNA from Any Living Thing” and BioRad’s “Genes in a bottle” by Jennifer
Doherty and Dr. Ingrid Waldron, Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, 2007.