Bring your students on an expedition to Madagascar!
- Techniques: Micropipetting, gel electrophoresis, bioinformatics
- Topics: Molecular ecology, consevation genetics, evolution, biotechnology
- Time required: Can be completed in one 45-minute class periods
- Level: General high school through college
Analyze morphological data and run electrophoresis gels to determine whether researchers have rediscovered a species of lemur once thought to be extinct.
Analyze actual field data
Construct phylogenetic trees from DNA sequence data
Compare generalist and specialist species facing ecological change
A molecular evolution and ecology lab based directly on our collaborators published and unpublished research, this collaboration with the Duke Lemur Center was designed with the goal of bringing molecular techniques to Ecology and Evolution units. As either a quick, single-period gel running lab or a week-long mini-unit, this lab offers flexibility and high-quality curriculum.
Reagents and consumables supplied by user:
- Agarose (electrophoresis grade)
- DNA stain (e.g., GelGreen®)
- Gel electrophoresis buffer (e.g., 1X TBE)
- Distilled or deionized H₂O (to dilute buffer concentrate – not included in Lab Companion Kit)
- Microtubes
Required equipment:
- Micropipettes and tips
- Gel electrophoresis and fluorescence visualization system
Storage notes:
- Reagents require freezer storage
- Reagents are stable for 12 months when stored in the freezer
Accessories information: The learning lab companion kit (catalog no. 470352-026) contains all the consumables (except water) needed for a class of 32 students. These reagents and consumables can also be sourced independently.
Delivery information: This Learning Lab kit contains reagents for 8 lab groups of up to 4 students each (32 students): 8 lemur DNA samples; DNA molecular weight marker (Fast DNA Ladder 1). Note: Reagents are compatible with blueGel™ or other standard DNA electrophoresis systems.
