Baby Marie Robinson needs to be tested for sickle cell disease.
- Techniques: Micropipetting, gel electrophoresis
- Topics: Genetic inheritance, genes and disease, genotype to phenotype, protein structure and function, natural selection, molecular diagnostics, biotechnology
- Time required: Can be completed in one 45-minute class period
- Level: General high school through college
In this engaging case study, students test a fictional family for sickle cell disease. The Robinson family has two children, one of whom has had an initial test result indicating possible sickle cell disease. Students will use gel electrophoresis to test the Robinson family for the sickle cell allele and give baby Marie Robinson a definitive diagnosis.
Reagents and consumables supplied by user:
- Agarose (electrophoresis grade)
- DNA stain (e.g., GelGreen™)
- Gel electrophoresis buffer (e.g., 1X TBE)
- Distilled or deionized H₂O (to dilute buffer concentrate – not included in Lab Companion Kit)
- Microtubes
Required equipment:
- Micropipettes and tips
- Gel electrophoresis and fluorescence visualization system
Storage notes:
- Reagents require freezer storage
- Reagents are stable for 12 months when stored in the freezer
Accessories information: The learning lab companion kit (catalog no. 470352-026) contains all the consumables (except water) needed for a class of 32 students. These reagents and consumables can also be sourced independently.
Delivery information: The Sickle Cell Genetics Lab kit contains reagents for 8 lab groups: 4 DNA samples; 1 tube of DNA molecular weight marker (DNA Ladder). Note: Reagents are compatible with blueGel™ or other standard horizontal electrophoresis systems.
