Nuclear Transplants In this activity, you will have the opportunity to model the removal of a cell nucleus and the insertion of an alternate control center. Although you won't be operating on real cells, you will define some of the challenges faced in this type of transplant procedure. Let’s get started!!

Procedures PART 1 - Modeling A Cell Add 0.5 gram of gelatin powder to each of two beakers. Put on your safety goggles. Your instructor will add 45 mL of hot water to the powder. Carefully mix the powder. CAUTION: Hot water can produce serious burns. Handle with care and follow all laboratory precautions identified by your instructor. Add 45 mL of cool water to the dissolved gelatin in each beaker. Mix well, then pour this liquid gelatin into the wells of a small ice cube tray. Place the ice cube tray in an ice- water bath.

Procedures After about 10 minutes to 15 minutes, examine the consistency of the gelatin. You'll need to work with a soft, just setting mixture. If the gelatin is too runny, leave it in the ice-water for another 5 minutes. If its consistency is satisfactory, remove the ice cube tray from the ice-water bath. Place two of the gelatin mounds from the ice cube tray on separate plates. For each mound, slice the upper half of the gelled mass and carefully support it while placing ONE sprinkle in the center. Close up the "blob". The sprinkle should be visible in the center of the loose gelatin. Label the plates as Cell 1 and Cell 2. Put Cell 1 aside. You will use Cell 2 in Part 2 of this activity.

Procedures PART 2 - Nuclear Transplants Squeeze out the air from a medicine dropper bulb or pipette. Poke the delivery end of the dropper into the gelatin mass of Cell 2 only. Carefully direct the opening of the dropper to the target "nucleus". When the opening is in front of the nucleus, release the pressure on the dropper bulb. What happens?

Procedures Remove the dropper. Exchange droppers with another student. Insert the "nucleus" from the other student’s cell into the gelatin of your Cell 2. Compare your Cell 1 and Cell 2 masses. Describe any differences that you observe.

What’s Next?? Answer the questions at the end of the activity. Follow your teacher’s instructions for sharing results. Return materials, and, CLEAN UP.