Synthetic biology and genetic engineering is a fast paced area of biology and is covered in the A-level biology syllabus. Our synthetic biology kit allows students to practically experience synthetic biology.

Detailed Description

Students will choose whether to make red or green fluorescent bacteria. They will use restriction enzymes to cut out their fluorescent gene of choice, use ligase to insert this into a second plasmid and then transform this into bacteria. They can visualise the spectacular results the following day using UV torches.

Key learning outcomes would include an understanding of:

How restriction enzymes and ligase work and their uses in genetic engineering, marker genes and antibiotic resistance. Aseptic technique and how to transform bacteria and why steps such as heat shock are necessary.

This kit is very flexible and can be taught in one go or split up over several lessons.