Examine Simulated PCR Products to Find BSE

• Convenient Ready-To-Load samples
• Connection to infectious disease
• Inquiry-based experiment
• Time required: ~45 minutes

Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), better known as mad cow disease, is a neurodegenerative, fatal condition in cattle. Consuming BSE-infected beef is believed to be the cause of a similar condition in humans, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. In this experiment, students examine simulated PCR products from several feed mills, to determine any possible violations of a 1997 ban which ended the practice of including animal parts in cattle feed.

Kit includes: instructions, Ready-to-Load™ QuickStrip™ DNA samples, UltraSpec-Agarose™ powder, practice gel loading solution, electrophoresis buffer, InstaStain® Blue and FlashBlue™ stain, calibrated pipette, and microtipped transfer pipettes.

Required, but not included: electrophoresis apparatus, power supply, automatic micropipette and tips, balance, microwave or hot plate, visualization system.