Sickle Cell Kit (DNA electrophoresis)

Sickle cell disease is the most common genetic and hereditary disease in the world. It affects the β globin gene. This practical activity takes the form of a family diagnosis. It allows to work concretely on the concepts of alleles, allelic dominance, and genetic mutations.

Electrophoresis will highlight the genotype/phenotype relationship for 4 members of the same (fictional) family. In this scenario, for each test, there are 4 tubes of DNA, each corresponding to an individual. The DNA to be analyzed is presented as the result of PCR amplification of the β-globin gene, followed by enzymatic digestion by Bsu361, whose cleavage can differentiate alleles A and S.

Upon reading the results, students can determine the genotype of each individual (heterozygous/homozygous) and, associated with the phenotype, identify the allelic dominance relationship. 

The DNA solutions are calibrated and do not require any preparation.

Format: 20 tests, 80 deposits to analyze + 10 deposits (molecular weight)
Duration of the experiment: 60 min
Storage duration: 6 months
Storage condition: - 20 °C 
Separation of DNA fragments: 2% agarose gel

- 4 calibrated DNA tubes ready to be deposited (parents 1 and 2 and children 1 and 2) - 1 tube of molecular weight ladder