Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), better known as mad cow disease, is a neurodegenerative, fatal condition in cattle. Consuming BSE-infected beef is believed to be the cause of a similar condition in humans, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. In this experiment, students examine simulated PCR products from several feed mills, to determine any possible violations of a 1997 ban which ended the practice of including animal parts in cattle feed.
• Discover how PCR and electrophoresis help keep our food safe
• Learn the biology behind Mad Cow Disease
• Perform agarose gel electrophoresis to separate differently-sized DNA molecules
• Load, run, analyze, and size control samples and three cattle food samples.
Kit Includes:
Instructions, Ready-to-Load QuickStrip‚Ñ¢ DNA Samples, UltraSpec-Agarose‚Ñ¢, Electrophoresis Buffer (50X), Practice Gel Loading Solution, FlashBlue‚Ñ¢ DNA Stain.
All You Need:
DNA Electrophoresis, Micropipettes: 5-50 µl (Optional), White Light Box, & Microwave or Hot Plate.
