Genetics - Restriction Enzyme Mapping

Restriction Enzyme Mapping

Teacher: Joan E. Bennett: Racine, WI
Subject: Restriction Enzymes
Grade Level(s): 11 12
Target Audience: AP Biology, Genetics
Materials Needed: handouts provided
Class Time: 2 days
Brief Summary: Students are given data collected from a lab. Restriction enzymes are used to cut up the DNA plasmid pBR322. After analyzing the data, students will create a plasmid that shows where each restriction enzyme cleaves the plasmid.
Student Objective(s): Students will transfer data previously collected in a restriction enzyme lab to a chart. Students will create restriction enzyme maps for DNA plasmid pBR322.
Description of Activities: Teacher explains the experiment and starts students on the analysis of the picture of the electrophoresis gel. When students have transferred information from the gel to the chart, the teacher needs to start them on the mapping process by doing the first two maps with them. After they have had time to do all the maps, bring them together to discuss and defend their results.
Integration (tying it all together): Students answer analysis questions.