With minimal equipment and a quick and straightforward protocol, students will use cell-free technology to visualize the flow of genetic information and monitor transcription and translation in real time through fluorescence. This activity serves as an excellent interactive tool for learning the central dogma of molecular biology and exposes students to cutting-edge synthetic biology.

Description

Illuminate transcription and translation with the BioBits™ cell-free system.

BioBits™ pellets are tiny molecular factories that can create a variety of proteins, from brightly colored fluorescent proteins to functional enzymes, without the need for cell culture. When dry, BioBits™ pellets are dormant, but they can be activated by simply adding water. Researchers have been using cell-free reactions in their laboratories for years, with applications ranging from novel therapeutic discovery to field diagnostics. Now the BioBits™ cell-free system makes this cutting-edge technology accessible anywhere to anyone interested in learning molecular biology and is an excellent teaching tool to enhance biology education both within and beyond the classroom.

With minimal equipment requirements and a quick and straightforward protocol, students will use the BioBits™ system to visualize the flow of genetic information and monitor transcription and translation in real time through fluorescence. This activity serves as an excellent interactive tool for learning the central dogma of molecular biology and exposes students to cutting-edge synthetic biology.

• Techniques utilized: Micropipetting, cell-free protein synthesis
• Time required: 30 min 10 min periods, separated by 8 to 72 hours

Level: Introductory to advanced.

The BioBits™ Central Dogma kit contains the following reagents:

• 32 BioBits™ pellets in 8-tube PCR strips
• DNA Sample A
• DNA Sample B
• Nuclease-Free Water
• Kanamycin

Required equipment:

• P51™ Molecular Fluorescence Viewer or blue light transilluminator (460-480 nm, e.g. blueBox or blueGel) — one per lab group
• Note: if you have a P51™  viewer purchased before September 2019,contact us to request an orange filter with your BioBits order

Storage notes:

• These reagents require fridge storage.
• BioBits™ pellets are best used within 3 months of receipt when stored at 4ºC. 

Product documentation: 

• Kanamycin SDS
• BioBits™ SDS

Free miniPCR Learning Lab™ downloads:

• BioBits™ Central Dogma Lab Instructor’s Guide
• BioBits™ Central Dogma Lab Student’s Guide
• BioBits™ Central Dogma Classroom Slides
• Additional materials coming soon

If you cannot find the answer to your problem then please contact us or telephone +44 (0)1954 210 200