Interactive Labs › Biology labs
BBiologyS6Biotechnology
Gene technology lab: PCR, gels and DNA profiling
Farmers improve their herds and doctors make insulin with gene technology. Copy DNA, cut it, and read a gel like a real laboratory.
LevelS6 (and A Level)
TimeAbout 35 min
You usePowers of 2, logarithms
PriceFree: no account
🎯 Aim
To investigate PCR, restriction enzymes and gel electrophoresis and their uses.
You will learn to
- Calculate DNA copies after PCR cycles.
- Find fragment sizes from restriction sites.
- Interpret gels using a ladder.
- Discuss uses of gene technology.
🧭 What to do
- Move the Number of PCR cycles and read the copies.
- Choose Cut a plasmid and each Restriction enzyme.
- Compare the bands with the ladder.
- Choose Which bull is the father? and compare the bands.
- Answer the questions with the class data.
- Write your conclusion and download your lab report.
📋 The data
DNA profiles of a cow, her calf and three bulls.
🧠 Investigate: answer from the data
Type your answer and tap Check. Use 💡 Hint first; open the method only when you are stuck.
➕ Get more from this experiment
📝 Free
Print the worksheet (button above), download the data, and save your report. Teachers can project this page in class.
📦 Premium Lab Pack
1 000 RWF
- Worksheet: paper gel electrophoresis and an ethics debate on GMOs
- Gene technology problems
- Teacher guide and answer key
- Exam-style questions with marking scheme
👩🏫 For teachers
Use it as a practical when apparatus is missing, as homework, or as a project. Free lesson plans help you plan, teach and assess.
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