AP® Biology Investigation #9: Biotechnology: Restriction Enzyme Analysis of DNA

Description

In this lab students will understand the action and specificity of restriction enzymes, while learning the components involved in the process of DNA electrophoresis and the role of each component as it applies to the entire process of electrophoresis. Students will perform the electrophoresis process on DNA samples treated with different restriction enzymes and construct a standard curve using a known DNA sample while determining the approximate size of the DNA fragments in unknown samples. Meets AP Science Practices 3 and 6, and Big Idea 3. Materials provided for eight lab groups.