Experiments

Here are experiments our science specialists have selected to support this IB* topic.

Analysis of Precut Lambda DNA

Experiment #6B from Advanced Biology with Vernier

In this experiment, you will

• Perform agarose gel electrophoresis using three different predigested samples of lambda DNA and uncut lambda DNA.
• Stain the gel.
• Document and examine gel results with an imaging system.
• Construct a standard curve and determine the size of the DNA fragments from the gel using Logger Pro.

Forensic DNA Fingerprinting

Experiment #6B from Advanced Biology with Vernier

In this activity, you will

• Digest DNA found at the “crime scene” and the DNA of five “suspects” with two restriction enzymes.
• Perform agarose gel electrophoresis on DNA samples.
• Stain the gel to visualize the DNA bands.
• Document and examine gel results with an imaging system.
• Evaluate who cannot be excluded from the investigation by constructing a standard curve and determining the size of the DNA fragments from the gel using Logger Pro.

Educational Standard

International Baccalaureate (IB) 2025

Subject

Biology

Theme

A Unity and Diversity

Level of organization

1 Molecules

Topic

A1.2 Nucleic acids

Section

Standard level and higher level