Digest-it Kit™️: Cut and isolate DNA using Restriction Enzymes

Explore the fascinating world of DNA with the Restriction Digest Kit!

Unlock the secrets of DNA manipulation by learning how to use restriction enzymes—special protein tools that precisely cut DNA at unique recognition sites. Discover this powerful technique that's widely used in genetic engineering and biotechnology.

This engaging, hands-on kit guides you step-by-step through:

1. Bioinformatics Exploration: Use the free DNA design software, ApE, to view and analyze DNA sequences. Perform virtual restriction enzyme experiments right from your computer.

2. Hands-on Experiment: Cut plasmid DNA using real restriction enzymes, then confirm your results by running agarose gel electrophoresis. Watch as DNA fragments separate into distinct bands, providing visual proof of your success.

3. Optional: Advanced 3D Investigation: Dive deeper using PyMOL, a free molecular modelling tool, to examine stunning 3D models of restriction enzymes interacting with DNA.

Perfect for beginners and ideal for individual students or classroom groups. This kit includes materials for four restriction enzyme digest attempts, with collaborative gel-making and gel electrophoresis experiments.

Estimated completion time: 4–8 class periods, including all bioinformatics activities.

Get ready to explore, experiment, and engineer DNA like a pro!

Learn how to: Copy a segment of DNA from a plasmid using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and confirm your result using agarose gel electrophoresis. 

This beginner-friendly Restriction Digest Kit is for an Individual or 1 group in a classroom (four individual restriction enzyme digest attempts + work together to make gels, set up agarose gel tank, and load/run individuals cut DNA)

• Gel electrophoresis equipment:
• power supply with voltage of ~50-100 V
• electrophoresis tank with wires that connect to the power supply
• gel casts
• well combs (8-tooth comb)

• PCR machine
• Microwave
• Blacklight flashlight, transilluminator, or DIY blacklight box
• Pipettes and tips
• 3 decimal point scale

Necessary equipment for Bioinformatics (not included):
• Laptop or Desktop computer running Windows, MacOS, or Linux
• Be able install free software: ApE (DNA design software) and PyMOL (molecular modeling software)

Cleaning and safety supplies are not included in the kit. Necessary safety and cleaning supplies are latex or nitrile gloves, and a chlorinated bleach cleaner or a 10% solution of chlorinated bleach in a spray bottle (you can make this by adding 9 parts water to 1 part bleach in a spray bottle). You can add a Mini Safety Set to your kit which includes gloves and a reusable plastic apron to protect your clothes.

For more information about safety, set up and clean up, you can have a look at the instruction manual for the experiment linked in the Ressources section below, and at the "Practicing safe science" page.

Shipping Times

Experiment kits are shipped 1-10 working days after you place your order. If you require yours for a specific date or event, please contact us before or with your order # so that we can try to make it happen for you! ☺︎ 

Storage

For any questions, don't hesistate to reach out to us - contact us