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Edvo-Kit #962
962
Identication of Genetically
Modied Foods Using PCR
Experiment Objective:
The objective of this experiment is to utilize PCR to identify genetically
modied foods.
NOTE:
PCR Cycling Conditions
have changed. Please
review your PCR program before performing the experiment.
962.160711
EDVO-Kit
EDVO-Kit 962
962
Table of Contents
Page
3
Experiment Components
Experiment Requirements
Background Information
Experiment Procedures
Experiment Overview
Module I: Isolation of DNA from Food
Module II: PCR Amplication
Module III: Agarose Gel Electrophoresis
Module IV: Staining Agarose Gels
Experimental Analysis
Study Questions
9
10
12
13
15
17
17
Instructor's Guidelines
Pre-Lab Preparations
Experiment Results and Analysis
Study Questions and Answers
18
19
23
24
Appendices
A EDVOTEK Troubleshooting Guide
B Preparation and Handling of PCR Samples With Wax
C Bulk Preparation of Agarose Gels
25
26
28
29
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Experiment Components
Components
A PCR EdvoBeads
Storage
Room Temp.
Check ()
dNTP Mixture
MgCl2
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
-20 C Freezer
-20 C Freezer
-20 C Freezer
-20 C Freezer
-20 C Freezer
-20 C Freezer
-20 C Freezer
-20 C Freezer, desiccated
Component
UltraSpec-Agarose
Electrophoresis Buffer (50x)
10x Gel Loading Solution
InstaStain Ethidium Bromide
FlashBlue Stain
Microcentrifuge Tubes
0.2 ml PCR Tubes
Plastic Pestles
Transfer Pipets
Wax Beads (for thermal cyclers without heated lid)
This experiment is
designed for
25 reactions.
Check ()
EDVOTEK, The Biotechnology Education Company, and InstaStain are registered trademarks of EDVOTEK, Inc.
PCR Reaction Pellet and UltraSpec-Agarose are trademarks of EDVOTEK, Inc.
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Requirements
Recommended foodstuffs that have worked well in the EDVOTEK testing laboratory include:
corn akes, soybeans, cornmeal, corn chips, soy snacks. See page 19 for more information.
Thermal cycler (EDVOTEK Cat. #541 highly recommended)
Horizontal gel electrophoresis apparatus
D.C. power supply
Balance
Microcentrifuge
Waterbath 56 C (EDVOTEK Cat. #539 highly recommended)
UV Transilluminator or UV Photodocumentation system (use if staining with InstaStain Ethidium Bromide)
UV safety goggles
White light visualization system (optional - use if staining with FlashBlue)
Automatic micropipets (5-50 l) with tips
Microwave, hot plate or burner
Pipet pump
250 ml asks or beakers
Hot gloves
Disposable vinyl or latex laboratory gloves
Ice buckets and ice
Distilled or deionized water
Isopropanol
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Background Information
While it used to take years of selective breeding to produce the genomic changes necessary to give rise to such
desirable traits, modern biotechnology techniques have accelerated this pace. Genetic engineering now allows
scientists to directly manipulate a DNA sequence to generate desirable traits. These engineered genes, called
transgenes, can be inserted, deleted or mutated in a matter of weeks using recombinant DNA technology. To be
properly expressed in vivo, a transgene must include a promoter sequence, which recruits RNA polymerase to the
transgene for transcription, and a terminator sequence, which signals RNA polymerase to end transcription (Figure
2).
Host
DNA
Gene of Interest
Promoter
Terminator
Host
DNA
Many technologies have been developed to create transgenic plants. One example is the biolistic (or gene gun)
method. Using this approach, the transgene DNA is adhered to gold particles and then shot through the walls of
plant embryonic stem cells. After the treatment, researchers screen the cells for markers that show the transgene
has been incorporated into the plant genome. The transgenic stem cells are used to create mature plants. Another
method relies on a natural plant parasite (Agrobacterium tumefaciens) that transfers some of its own genetic material into plant cells as the Ti-plasmid. Genetic engineers use recombinant DNA technology to replace a bacterial
EDVO-Kit 962
gene with a gene of interest. The bacteria transfer the transgene to the host as
part of the Ti-plasmid, thus creating a transgenic plant. This technique works best
with plants like tomatoes, apples and soybeans.
Some of the rst genetically modied plants simplied pest management for
farmers. Bacillus thuringiensis, a gram-positive bacterium, had long been used
in organic farming for its insecticidal proteins. The bacterial spores needed to
be sprayed on the crops several times during the growing season to protect the
plants from insect damage. To simplify this treatment, scientists used several
of the bacterial genes to create Bt-corn, a crop that expresses the insecticidal
proteins to protect the plant from pest damage (Figure 3). This technology allows
farmers to use less chemical pesticides, some of which are harmful to people and
to the environment.
Current plant biotechnology also promises to increase the quality of food crops.
One application of biotechnology to food science is antisense RNA technology,
which can be used to decrease food spoilage. This technique takes advantage
of the natural process of RNA silencing to reduce expression levels of naturally
occurring genes. For example, the enzyme polygalacturonase (PG) digests pectin
in the tomatos cell wall, making the fruit softer and more susceptible to fungal
infections. The Flavr Savr tomato has been engineered to turn off production of
the PG enzyme, slowing the softening process and increasing the tomatos shelf
life.
Figure 3:
Insect resistance of
GM plants
Genetic engineering technology can also enhance food crops by introducing additional nutrients. Rice, a staple
food in many in developing countries, does not provide the recommended dietary allowance of several key nutrients including vitamin A. In children, vitamin A deciency (VAD) is the leading cause of preventable blindness.
VAD may also increase the risk and frequency of infections. To address this problem, rice has been modied to
produce -carotene, a precursor of vitamin A. Switching to cultivation of golden rice and other nutrient-supplemented crops in these areas represents major progress in combating malnutrition.
Besides boosting crop yields and enhancing nutrition, transgenic technology could create allergy-free peanuts and
low protein rice for people with kidney disease. Genetically modied foods may soon allow for the synthesis and
delivery of various pharmaceutical products. In pharming, transgenic plants make proteins with medicinal value
like insulin or growth hormone. Farmaceuticals can be produced in many crops, including tobacco, carrots, tomatoes, soybeans and rice. Many times, these transgenes are engineering into the chloroplast DNA, which maintains
high protein expression levels and is not distributed via pollen. This will generate great amounts of pharmaceuticals with little chance of horizontal gene transfer to surrounding plants.
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Target Sequence
= Separation of
two DNA strands
5'
3'
3'
5'
5'
3'
3'
5'
= Primer 1
Cycle 1
= Primer 2
5'
5'
3'
3'
3'
3'
5'
Anneal
2 primers
40C - 65C
5'
5'
3'
5'
5'
5'
3'
Cycle 3
Cycle 2
3'
5'
Denature
94C
5'
3'
5'
5'
5'
5'
5'
5'
5'
3'
3'
5'
5'
3'
5'
5'
3'
5'
5'
5'
3'
Extension
72C
3'
5'
5'
3'
5'
5'
3'
3'
5'
5'
3'
5'
5'
Figure 4:
Polymerase Chain Reaction
EDVO-Kit 962
The responsibility of public health and policy concerning GMOs rests on the shoulders of the government and the
biotechnology industry. The United States government has carefully monitored GM food production and created
strict regulations to protect the health of Americans. There are three federal agencies in the United States that
oversee food safety: the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) monitors the safety of human and animal food products; the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) oversees new plant varieties and their use in farming; and the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) monitors pesticide levels in plants and determines what is acceptable for
human consumption. To gain acceptance, the plant biotechnology industry must communicate the research and
development of new GM food products to these agencies.
(-)
(+)
(-)
(+)
Figure 5:
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Experiment Overview
EXPERIMENT OBJECTIVE:
The objective of this experiment is to utilize PCR to identify genetically modied foods.
LABORATORY SAFETY:
Be sure to READ and UNDERSTAND the instructions completely BEFORE starting the
experiment. If you are unsure of something, ASK YOUR INSTRUCTOR!
Wear gloves and goggles while working in the laboratory.
Exercise caution when working in the laboratory you will be using equipment
that can be dangerous if used incorrectly.
Wear protective gloves when working with hot reagents like boiling water and
melted agarose.
DO NOT MOUTH PIPET REAGENTS - USE PIPET PUMPS.
Always wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after working in the laboratory.
Be sure to properly dispose any biological samples according to your institutional guidelines.
Wear gloves
and safety goggles
Module I - 50 min.
Isolation of DNA
from Food
LABORATORY NOTEBOOKS:
Scientists document everything that happens during an experiment, including
experimental conditions, thoughts and observations while conducting the experiment, and, of course, any data collected. Today, you'll be documenting your
experiment in a laboratory notebook or on a separate worksheet.
Before starting the Experiment:
Carefully read the introduction and the protocol. Use this information to
form a hypothesis for this experiment.
Predict the results of your experiment.
Interpret the results does your data support or contradict your hypothesis?
If you repeated this experiment, what would you change? Revise your hypothesis to reect this change.
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1.
2.
3.
TRANSFER
ADD
50 - 100 g
food sample.
400 l
DNA Extraction
Buffer
4. 56 C
30
8.
7.
Transfer
Supernatant
15 min.
Vortex
or Flick
ADD
sec.
Grind
6. MAX
5.
99
60
300 l
NaCl
min.
Vigorously 30 sec.
9.
ADD
Ice-cold
Isopropanol
60
min.
1.
MEASURE 50-100 mg of food sample. TRANSFER the food to a labeled microcentrifuge tube.
2.
3.
Using a micropestle, GRIND the food sample until no large pieces remain (approx. 30 seconds).
4.
ADD 300 l NaCl solution to the tube and mix well by vortexing or icking for 30 seconds.
6.
7.
Carefully TRANSFER the supernatant into a fresh, labeled microcentrifuge tube being careful not to disturb the
pellet. DISCARD the tubes with pellets.
8.
PRECIPITATE the DNA from the supernatant by adding an equal volume of ice-cold isopropanol to the tube.
9.
OPTIONAL STOPPING POINT - Store food sample at -20C if it will not be used immediately.
10
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10. MAX
11.
12.
DISCARD
Supernatant
20 min.
15.
16.
Dry
min.
DISCARD
Supernatant
14. MAX
13.
WASH
with 500 l
Isopropanol
2 min.
min.
2
17.
Resuspend
in 200 l
DNA
Resuspension
Buffer
10. INSERT the tube in the rotor so that the hinge is facing towards the outside edge. CENTRIFUGE the sample at
full speed (10,000Xg) for 20 minutes. The precipitated plasmid DNA will form a small, white pellet at the bottom of the hinge side of the tube after centrifugation.
11. After centrifugation, a very small DNA pellet should be visible at the bottom of the tube. With a marker,
CIRCLE the location of the DNA pellet.
12. Carefully REMOVE and DISCARD all the supernatant, leaving the pelleted DNA at the bottom of the tube.
13. WASH the pellet by slowly adding 500 l of isopropanol.
14. CENTRIFUGE the sample at full speed for 2 minutes.
15. Carefully REMOVE and DISCARD the supernatant and allow the DNA pellet to dry for at least 5 minutes. The
pellet should be completely dry.
16. Completely RESUSPEND the pellet in 200 L of DNA Resuspension Buffer (F) by pipetting up and down several
times or by vortexing vigorously.
17. PLACE tubes in ice. PROCEED to Module II: PCR Amplication.
OPTIONAL STOPPING POINT - Store the DNA at -20C if it will not be used immediately.
11
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1.
TC
20 l Primer Mix
5 l Extracted DNA
PCR EdvoBead
4. SPIN
3.
2.
5.
TC
6.
Gently mix
TC
TC
1.
LABEL a 0.2 ml PCR tube with the sample and your initials.
2.
ADD 20 l GMO primer mix, 5 l extracted DNA (or control DNA) and the PCR EdvoBead to the labeled 0.2
ml tube. At least one control reaction should be performed per class to conrm that PCR was successful.
3.
MIX the PCR sample. Make sure the PCR EdvoBead is completely dissolved.
4.
CENTRIFUGE the sample for a few seconds to collect the sample at the bottom of the tube.
5.
6.
After PCR, ADD 5 l of 10x Gel Loading Solution to the sample. PLACE tubes on
ice. PROCEED to Module III: Separation of PCR Products by Electrophoresis.
NOTE:
PCR Cycling Conditions
have changed. Please
review your PCR program before performing the experiment.
12
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1.
50
2.
3.
Concentrated
buffer
Distilled
water
IMPORTANT:
1:00
7 x 14 cm gels are
recommended. Each gel
can be shared by 4-5 students. Place well-former
template (comb) in the
rst set of notches.
Agarose
Flask
4.
5.
60C
6.
Pour
WAIT
7.
20
60C
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Wear gloves
and safety goggles
min.
DILUTE concentrated (50X) buffer with distilled water to create 1X buffer (see Table A).
MIX agarose powder with 1X buffer in a 250 ml ask (see Table A).
DISSOLVE agarose powder by boiling the solution. MICROWAVE the solution on high for 1 minute.
Carefully REMOVE the ask from the microwave and MIX by swirling the ask. Continue to HEAT
the solution in 15-second bursts until the agarose is completely dissolved (the solution should be
clear like water).
COOL agarose to 60 C with careful swirling to promote even dissipation of heat.
While agarose is cooling, SEAL the ends of the gel-casting tray with the rubber end caps. PLACE
the well template (comb) in the appropriate notch.
POUR the cooled agarose solution into the prepared
Table
gel-casting tray. The gel should thoroughly solidify
A Individual 2.0% UltraSpec-Agarose Gel
within 20 minutes. The gel will stiffen and become
less transparent as it solidies.
Size of Gel
Concentrated
Distilled
TOTAL
Amt of
REMOVE end caps and comb. Take particular care
Casting tray
= Volume
Agarose + Buffer (50x) + Water
when removing the comb to prevent damage to the
7 x 7 cm
24.5 ml
25 ml
0.5 g
0.5 ml
wells.
7 x 14 cm
1.0 g
1.0 ml
49.0 ml
50 ml
13
EDVO-Kit 962
8.
9.
Pour
1X Diluted
Buffer
Wear gloves
and safety goggles
11.
10.
Reminder:
Before loading the
samples, make sure
the gel is properly
oriented in the apparatus chamber.
8.
PLACE gel (on the tray) into electrophoresis chamber. COVER the gel with 1X electrophoresis buffer (See Table B for recommended volumes). The gel should be completely submerged.
9. LOAD the entire volume (30 l) into the well in the order indicated by Table 1.
10. PLACE safety cover. CHECK that the gel is properly oriented. Remember, the DNA samples will
Table 1: Sample
migrate toward the positive (red) electrode.
11. CONNECT leads to the power source and PERRecommended
Lane
FORM electrophoresis (See Table C for time and
1
100 base pair Ladder
voltage guidelines).
12. After electrophoresis is complete, REMOVE the
2
GMO Positive PCR control
gel and casting tray from the electrophoresis
3
GMO Negative PCR control
chamber and proceed to STAINING the agarose
4
Student Sample 1
gel.
5
Student Sample 2
Student Sample 3
Table
Sample Name
Table
Total Volume
Required
Dilution
50x Conc.
Buffer
Distilled
Water
300 ml
6 ml
294 ml
M12 (classic)
400 ml
8 ml
392 ml
M36
1000 ml
20 ml
980 ml
Table
Time: 7 x 7 cm gel
Time: 7 x 14 cm gel
Volts
~4.0 cm migration
~6.5 cm migration
125
30 min.
60 min.
70
60 min.
120 min.
50
90 min.
150 min.
14
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1.
2.
3.
Moisten
the gel
4.
m
idiu
Eth
in
Sta
sta
In
5.
4.
5.
6.
in
end
nt P
ate
.P
U.S
300 nm
3-5
min.
m Bromide
InstaStain Ethidiu
U.S. Patent
2.
3.
STAIN
Ethid
nt Pending
U.S. Pate
1.
id
6.
-
InstaStain
m
Bro
Pending
Carefully REMOVE the agarose gel and casting tray from the electrophoresis
chamber. SLIDE the gel off of the casting tray on to a piece of plastic wrap on a
at surface. DO NOT STAIN GELS IN THE ELECTROPHORESIS APPARATUS.
MOISTEN the gel with a few drops of electrophoresis buffer.
Wearing gloves, REMOVE and DISCARD the clear plastic protective sheet from
the unprinted side of the InstaStain card(s). PLACE the unprinted side of the
InstaStain Ethidium Bromide card(s) on the gel. You will need 2 cards to stain
a 7 x 14 cm gel.
With a gloved hand, REMOVE air bubbles between the card and the gel by rmly
running your ngers over the entire surface. Otherwise, those regions will not
stain.
PLACE the casting tray on top of the gel/card stack. PLACE a small weight (i.e.
an empty glass beaker) on top of the casting tray. This ensures that the InstaStain Ethidium Bromide card is in direct contact with the gel surface. STAIN
the gel for 3-5 minutes.
REMOVE the InstaStain Ethidium Bromide card(s). VISUALIZE the gel using a
mid-range ultraviolet transilluminator (300 nm). DNA should appear as bright
orange bands on a dark background.
15
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1.
2.
10
x
Concentrated
FlashBlue Stain
Distilled
water
Wear gloves
and safety goggles
Flask
3.
4.
Pour
STAIN
min.
5.
Pour
(-)
1
DESTAIN
20
min.
(+)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
DILUTE 10 ml of 10x concentrated FlashBlue with 90 ml of water in a ask and MIX well.
REMOVE the agarose gel and casting tray from the electrophoresis chamber. SLIDE the gel off of the casting tray into a small, clean gel-staining tray.
COVER the gel with the 1x FlashBlue stain solution. STAIN the gel for 5 minutes. For best results, use an
orbital shaker to gently agitate the gel while staining. STAINING THE GEL FOR LONGER THAN 5 MINUTES
WILL REQUIRE EXTRA DESTAINING TIME.
TRANSFER the gel to a second small tray. COVER the gel with water. DESTAIN for at least 20 minutes
with gentle shaking (longer periods will yield better results). Frequent changes of the water will accelerate destaining.
Carefully REMOVE the gel from the destaining liquid. VISUALIZE results using a white light visualization
system. DNA will appear as dark blue bands on a light blue background.
Alternate Protocol:
1.
2.
3.
4.
16
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EXPERIMENTAL ANALYSIS
1
500 bp
Lane
Sample
Analysis
100 bp
*
* Note:
Depending on the PCR conditions used, a diffuse, small-molecular weight band, known as a "primer dimer", may be present below the 100 bp marker (shown in the idealized schematic at the bottom of the
gel). This is a PCR artifact and can be ignored. Other minor bands may also appear due to nonspecic
primer binding and the subsequent amplication of these sequences.
STUDY QUESTIONS
1.
How are gene guns used in plant genetics? Describe how this technique could be used to create Bt-corn.
2.
What are common potential concerns about foodstuffs obtained from GM plants?
3.
Which Federal agencies are responsible for oversight on GM plants and foods?
4.
What genetic modications were made to the Flavr Savr tomato? How does this modication affect the tomato?
5.
List and describe the three steps of PCR. How can PCR be used to detect genetically modied organisms?
17
INSTRUCTOR'S GUIDE
EDVO-Kit 962
Instructor's Guide
OVERVIEW OF INSTRUCTORS PRELAB PREPARATION:
This section outlines the recommended prelab preparations and approximate time requirement to complete each
prelab activity.
Preparation For:
What to do:
Module I:
Isolation of DNA
from Food
Module II:
PCR Amplification
When:
Time Required:
30 min.
Equilibrate waterbath
to 56 C.
5 min.
30 min.
15 min.
45 min.
10 min.
Module III:
Agarose Gel
Electrophoresis
Module IV:
Staining Agarose Gels
Prepare staining
components
NOTE:
We recommend students work in pairs, with each student extracting
DNA from their own sample.
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INSTRUCTOR'S GUIDE
Pre-Lab Preparations
MODULE I: ISOLATION OF DNA FROM FOOD
NOTE:
If a precipitate has formed in the DNA extraction buffer, warm at 37 C to
redissolve.
NOTE: PREPARE DNA EXTRACTION BUFFER NO MORE THAN ONE HOUR
BEFORE PERFORMING THE EXPERIMENT.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Save the remaining DNA Resuspension Buffer for preparing the GMO
Primer Mix and Control DNA. Place bottles of 95% isopropanol on ice
or in the freezer. Chill thoroughly. The bottle of isopropanol can be
placed at a classroom pipetting station for students to share.
We recommend students
work in pairs, with each
student extracting DNA
from their own sample.
FOR MODULE I
Each Pair should receive:
1 ml DNA Extraction Buffer
800 l NaCl solution
800 l DNA Resuspension Buffer
2 microcentrifuge tubes with
pestles
2 1.5 mL microcentrifuge tubes
with screw caps
2 1.5 mL microcentrifuge tubes
with snap tops
Isopropanol
Warning !!
Fresh corn
Fresh papaya
Cornbread mix
Corn meal
Veggie Sausage
Corn chips (baked or fried)
Corn puffs
Corn taco shells
Food products containing soy protein (veggie
burgers, hot dogs, soy based meat substitute)
Breakfast Cereal
Soy puffs or crisps
Soybeans
Please Note:
Many manufacturers are moving away from using
GM ingredients in their food products. Check label
before choosing a food product.
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INSTRUCTOR'S GUIDE
EDVO-Kit 962
Pre-Lab Preparations
MODULE II: PCR AMPLIFICATION
Preparation of the GMO Primer Mix
1.
2.
3.
4.
FOR MODULE II
Each Student should receive:
One PCR tube and PCR
EdvoBead
20 l Gel Loading Solution
Reagents to be Shared by
Two Students:
50 l GMO Primer Mix
Thaw the tubes of GMO Positive PCR Control Concentrate (D) and GMO Negative PCR Control Concentrate (E) on ice.
Add 20 l of DNA Resuspension Buffer (F) to each of the Control DNA Concentrate tubes. Pipet up and down to mix.
Dispense 6 l of the diluted Control DNA for each control reaction. At least one
positive control and one negative control should be performed per class to
conrm that the PCR was successful.
Additional Materials:
Each student should receive one PCR EdvoBead and one PCR tube. Groups
receiving the control DNA should receive an extra PCR tube and PCR EdvoBead. Alternatively, the instructor can prepare the additional control
samples and distribute to students after PCR.
PCR Amplification
The Thermal cycler should be programmed as outlined in Module II in the Students Experimental Procedure.
Accurate temperatures and cycle times are critical. A pre-run for one cycle
(takes approximately 3 to 5 min.) is recommended to check that the thermal
cycler is properly programmed.
For thermal cyclers that do not have a heated lid, it is necessary to place a
layer of wax above the PCR reactions in the microcentrifuge tubes to prevent
evaporation. See Appendix B for instructions.
NOTE:
PCR Cycling Conditions
have changed. Please
review your PCR program before performing the experiment.
20
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INSTRUCTOR'S GUIDE
Pre-Lab Preparations
MODULE III: SEPARATION OF PCR PRODUCTS BY ELECTROPHORESIS
Preparation of Agarose Gels
This experiment requires one 2.0% gel per 3-5 students, depending upon which
control samples are run on the gel. A 7 x 14 cm gel is recommended. You can
choose whether to prepare the gels in advance or have the students prepare their
own. Allow approximately 30-40 minutes for this procedure.
Individual Gel Preparation:
Each student group can be responsible for casting their own individual gel prior to
conducting the experiment. See Module III in the Students Experimental Procedure.
Students will need 50x concentrated buffer, distilled water and agarose powder.
Batch Gel Preparation:
To save time, a larger quantity of agarose solution can be prepared for sharing by
the class. Electrophoresis buffer can also be prepared in bulk. See Appendix C.
Preparing Gels in Advance:
Gels may be prepared ahead and stored for later use. Solidied gels can be stored
under buffer in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Do not freeze gels at -20 C as freezing will destroy the gels.
Gels that have been removed from their trays for storage should be anchored back
to the tray with a few drops of molten agarose before being placed into the tray.
This will prevent the gels from sliding around in the trays and the chambers.
Additional Materials:
Each 2.0% gel should be loaded with the EdvoQuick DNA ladder and PCR reactions
from 3 or 4 foods.
Aliquot 25 l of the 100 base pair ladder (C) into labeled microcentrifuge tubes
and distribute one tube of EdvoQuick DNA ladder per gel.
NOTE:
Accurate pipetting is critical
for maximizing successful
experiment results. This
experiment is designed for
students who have had
previous experience with
micropipetting techniques
and agarose gel electrophoresis.
If students are unfamiliar
with using micropipets, we
recommended performing
Cat. #S-44, Micropipetting
Basics or Cat. #S-43, DNA
DuraGel prior to conducting this advanced level
experiment.
NOTE:
QuickGuide instructions
and guidelines for casting
various agarose gels can be
found our website.
www.edvotek.com/
quick-guides
21
INSTRUCTOR'S GUIDE
EDVO-Kit 962
Pre-Lab Preparations
MODULE IV: STAINING AGAROSE GELS
InstaStain Ethidium Bromide (PREFERRED METHOD)
Use a mid-range ultraviolet transilluminator (Cat. #558) to visualize gels stained with
InstaStain Ethidium Bromide. BE SURE TO WEAR UV-PROTECTIVE EYEWEAR!
Standard DNA markers should be visible after staining even if other DNA samples
are faint or absent. If bands appear faint, repeat staining with a fresh InstaStain
card for an additional 3-5 min. If markers are not visible, troubleshoot for problems with electrophoretic separation.
Ethidium bromide is a listed mutagen. Wear gloves and protective eyewear when
using this product. UV protective eyewear is required for visualization with a UV
transilluminator.
InstaStain Ethidium Bromide cards and stained gels should be discarded using
institutional guidelines for solid chemical waste.
Wear gloves
and safety goggles
FlashBlue
Stained gels may be stored in destaining liquid for several weeks with refrigeration, although the bands may fade with time. If this happens, re-stain the gel.
Destained gels can be discarded in solid waste disposal. Destaining solutions can
be disposed of down the drain.
Once gels are stained, you may wish to photograph your results. There are many
different photodocumentation systems available, including digital systems that are
interfaced directly with computers. Specic instructions will vary depending upon the
type of photodocumentation system you are using.
22
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INSTRUCTOR'S GUIDE
500 bp
100 bp
Lane
Sample
Analysis
Student Sample 1
Student Sample 2
Student Sample 3
* Note:
Depending on the PCR conditions used, a diffuse, small-molecular weight band, known as a "primer dimer", may be present below
the 100 bp marker (shown in the idealized schematic at the bottom of the gel). This is a PCR artifact and can be ignored. Other
minor bands may also appear due to nonspecic primer binding and the subsequent amplication of these sequences.
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EDVO-Kit 962
APPENDICES
Appendices
A
25
APPENDICES
EDVO-Kit 962
Appendix A
EDVOTEK Troubleshooting Guides
DNA EXTRACTION
PROBLEM:
CAUSE:
ANSWER:
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EDVO-Kit 962
APPENDICES
Appendix A
EDVOTEK Troubleshooting Guides
PCR AND ELECTROPHORESIS
PROBLEM:
CAUSE:
ANSWER:
Make sure the heated lid reaches the appropriate temperature.
If your thermal cycler does not have a heated lid, overlay the
PCR reaction with wax (see Appendix B for details)
Make sure students close the lid of the PCR tube properly.
Pipetting error
Repeat staining.
Primer dimer
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APPENDICES
EDVO-Kit 962
Appendix B
Preparation and Handling of PCR Samples with Wax
ONLY For Thermal Cyclers WITHOUT Heated Lids, or Manual PCR Using Three Waterbaths
Using a wax overlay on reaction components prevents evaporation during the PCR process.
How to Prepare a Wax overlay
1.
Add PCR components to the 0.2 ml PCR Tube as outlined in Module II.
2.
Centrifuge at full speed for ve seconds to collect sample at bottom of the tube.
3.
Using clean forceps, add one wax bead to the PCR tube.
4.
After PCR is completed, melt the wax overlay by heating the sample at 94 C for three minutes or until the wax
melts.
2.
3.
4.
Use a pipette tip to puncture the thin layer of remaining wax. Using a fresh pipette tip, remove the PCR product
and transfer to a new tube.
5.
Add 5 l of 10x Gel Loading Buffer to the sample. Proceed to Module III to perform electrophoresis.
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EDVO-Kit 962
APPENDICES
Appendix C
Bulk Preparation of Agarose Gels
To save time, the electrophoresis buffer and agarose gel solution can be prepared in larger quantities for sharing by
the class. Unused diluted buffer can be used at a later time and solidied agarose gel solution can be remelted.
Table
60 ml
Distilled
Water
Total Volume
Required
2,940 ml
3000 ml (3 L)
2.
Pour the appropriate amount of UltraSpec-Agarose into the prepared buffer. Swirl to disperse clumps.
3.
With a marking pen, indicate the level of solution volume on the outside of
the ask.
4.
Heat the agarose solution as outlined previously for individual gel preparation. The heating time will require adjustment due to the larger total
volume of gel buffer solution.
5.
Cool the agarose solution to 60 C with swirling to promote even dissipation of heat. If evaporation has occurred, add distilled water to bring the
solution up to the original volume as marked on the ask in step 3.
Table
Amt of
Agarose
8.0 g
6.
Dispense the required volume of cooled agarose solution for casting each
gel. The volume required is dependent upon the size of the gel bed.
7.
Allow the gel to completely solidify. It will become rm and cool to the
touch after approximately 20 minutes. Proceed with electrophoresis (Module III) or store the gels at 4 C under buffer.
Diluted
Buffer (1x)
400 ml
NOTES:
60C
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