PCR-it Kit™️: Amplify DNA Fragments

Explore the world of PCR with the PCR-it Kit.

The PCR-it Kit allows you to amplify DNA fragments in only a few simple steps, with no prior knowledge required. You may have seen PCR and gel electrophoresis being used on popular TV shows featuring forensic science, and now you can experience it yourself! Our kit provides the tools to learn how to copy and amplify DNA from a template so that you can unlock the vast potential of PCR technology.

This kit is a 3-part experiment:

• 1) Bioinformatics: Students download an open-source DNA design tool called ApE. They download some DNA template sequences and primer sequences and use those to run a simulated PCR reaction and also a simulated agarose gel experiment in the software. See an unlisted youtube video here: https://youtu.be/cN2UKWQ_Kd8

• 2) Experiment Kit: Students or student groups do PCR by amplifying two different fragments from two different plasmids. They then run them in a gel (using an Agarose gel kit or your own agarose gel materials in the classroom). Students compare their experimental results with their bioinformatics results!

• 3) Bioinformatics (advanced): Follow on video for designing primers in ApE: https://youtu.be/Y9f3r3HBDiQ

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 PCR Kit includes is for an Individual or 1 group in a classroom (8 individual PCR attempts + work together to make gels, set up agarose gel tank, and load/run individual PCR product):

• 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
• 1L Distilled water from store (recommended buy a 4L / 1 gallon jug)
• Pipettes and tips
• 3 decimal point scale

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

Freeze this kit upon arrival

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