Help astronauts control an outbreak of pathogenic bacteria in space food bound for Mars!
- Techniques: Micropipetting, PCR, restriction digest, gel electrophoresis
- Topics: Microbiology. infectious disease, molecular diagnostics, biotechnology
- Time required: 120 minutes; can be split over 2 or 3 class periods
- Level: General high school through advanced high school
Identify the source of pathogenic bacteria in space food bound for Mars! This applied biotechnology investigation addresses a foodborne illness outbreak using the same real-world methodologies that public health and surveillance authorities use here on Earth. Get hands-on experience with important molecular microbiology techniques and engage in a real-world problem with public health and economic impacts.
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
- PCR tubes
Required equipment:
- Micropipettes and tips
- Thermal cycler
- Gel electrophoresis and 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 miniPCR Food Safety Lab kit contains reagents for 8 lab groups: 2X EZ PCR Master Mix, Load-Ready™; 3X Food Safety Lab Primer Mix; 4 DNA samples to investigate, including controls; Restriction enzyme XmnI; 100 bp DNA ladder, Load-Ready™. Note: Reagents are compatible with blueGel™ or other standard horizontal electrophoresis systems.
