miniPCR kits are ideal for introducing PCR and gel electrophoresis into biology and chemistry classes without breaking the bank. These approachable, durable tools are used for PCR on the International Space Station—a testament to their quality. Every miniPCR Classroom Pack comes with one mini thermal cycler, along with plenty of other supplies for your biology lab. The thermal cycler is a speedy machine that delivers results in only 24 minutes, making it perfect for shorter class times. At only one pound, it’s small enough to place directly on a lab bench or hold in the palm of your hand. Even at that size, its capacity makes it plenty big enough for the entire class to use. It can fit 16 samples of DNA—enough for about four lab groups.
Although miniPCR kits are named after the PCR process, that is not the only method students will use in their projects. Gel electrophoresis is another common technique for analyzing DNA. For many projects, both PCR and gel electrophoresis work in tandem. While PCR replicates and amplifies DNA, the purpose of gel electrophoresis is to separate DNA or RNA molecules based on their size and charges. PCR must occur before gel electrophoresis, otherwise there will not be enough DNA for analysis. Many miniPCR labs, however, come with DNA samples that have already been amplified by PCR. That way, kids can jump right into electrophoresis. See our blogs below for more information on using miniPCR kits in your classroom and beyond.
Identify genes, compare DNA samples, study genetic variations, and more with the miniPCR gel electrophoresis and PCR kits. As children learn skills like micropipetting and using a thermal cycler, they can prepare to take on fields like forensics, agriculture, oncology, and others. Kids can even work with the same PCR equipment used on the International Space Station!
