This interactive will present the mathematical consideration of exponentially
enriching a piece of DNA using PCR. Typically, a PCR protocol will repeat
approximately 30 cycles of denaturation, annealing, and elongation. 30 cycles of
PCR produce around 1 billion copies of the amplified region.

This interactive will present the varying applications of the laboratory technique Polymerase Chain Reaction, also known as PCR.

Biology 2e is designed to cover the scope and sequence requirements of a typical two-semester biology course for science majors. The text provides comprehensive coverage of foundational research and core biology concepts through an evolutionary lens. Biology includes rich features that engage students in scientific inquiry, highlight careers in the biological sciences, and offer everyday applications. The book also includes various types of practice and homework questions that help students understand—and apply—key concepts. The 2nd edition has been revised to incorporate clearer, more current, and more dynamic explanations, while maintaining the same organization as the first edition. Art and illustrations have been substantially improved, and the textbook features additional assessments and related resources.

By the end of this section, you will be able to do the following:

Describe gel electrophoresis
Explain molecular and reproductive cloning
Describe biotechnology uses in medicine and agriculture

This pathway introduces how DNA can be manipulated using different molecular tools and techniques. For a deeper look at this topic, we recommend the pathway Biotechnology and Genomics from the OpenStax textbook Biology for AP® Courses.

Read a passage about gel electrophoresis and answer the follow-up questions.

Khan Academy learning modules include a Community space where users can ask questions and seek help from community members. Educators should consult with their Technology administrators to determine the use of Khan Academy learning modules in their classroom. Please review materials from external sites before sharing with students.

This pathway explores innovations in biotechnology that have revolutionized aspects of modern life like agriculture, forensics and medicine.

This simulation introduces gel electrophoresis, a technique used to
separate biological molecules. In this simulation, gel electrophoresis is
used to separate dyes and visualize them in an agarose gel.

Part of a site on genetics, this page explores DNA as a forensic science. Explains how and why DNA can be used to convict or acquit a criminal from wrongdoing using forensic DNA analysis. Teacher resources too.

How is DNA analyzed? How does DNA analysis help us to better understand plant genetics? Students will learn the basics of gel electrophoresis and how applications of this technique can help scientists learn more about the genetics of animals, plants, and crops to inform their research. Objectives: By the end of this course, you will: Be able to identify the structure and components of DNA, Understand and be able to explain the key components of gel electrophoresis, Know how to make an agarose gel, Be able to use gel electrophoresis to determine unknown samples

This unit leads students through the process of setting up gel electrophoresis chambers, understanding the mechanics, and experimenting with various aspects of running gels. This unit features 3 lessons and 13 files. Lessons are aligned to NGSS.

An introduction to genetic engineering through hands-on and modeling activities that illustrate concepts, which will scaffold student understanding for lab activities to follow, especially focused on the use of bacteria. This unit features 5 lessons and 14 files. Lessons are aligned to NGSS.

In this simulation the learner will design a sequence of experiments to
generate a coronavirus vaccine.

Students are introduced to the latest imaging methods used to visualize molecular structures and the method of electrophoresis that is used to identify and compare genetic code (DNA). Students should already have basic knowledge of genetics, DNA (DNA structure, nucleotide bases), proteins and enzymes. The lesson begins with a discussion to motivate the need for imaging techniques and DNA analysis, which prepares students to participate in the associated two-part activity: 1) students each choose an imaging method to research (from a provided list of molecular imaging methods), 2) they research basic information about electrophoresis.

Students conduct their own research to discover and understand the methods designed by engineers and used by scientists to analyze or validate the molecular structure of DNA, proteins and enzymes, as well as basic information about gel electrophoresis and DNA identification. In this computer-based activity, students investigate particular molecular imaging technologies, such as x-ray, atomic force microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and create short PowerPoint presentations that address key points. The presentations include their own explanations of the difference between molecular imaging and gel electrophoresis.

Simulate the process of gel electrophoresis with this interactive animation. It's a rather detailed and engaging activity.

PCR, or polymerase chain reaction, is a powerful lab technique used to generate billions of copies of a specific stretch of DNA. This video animation illustrates the process of PCR.

This interactive will present the components and steps needed for a successful
PCR reaction.

This interactive will present the rules for designing precise nucleotide sequences
called PCR primers. Designing primers for a PCR reaction is an important step
because the way they bind to the template DNA dictates much of the success of
the PCR reaction.