1. Today in Lab: In Search of the Sickle Cell Gene

2. A Simple Mutation With a Profound Impact

3. A Puzzling Observation…

4. A Possible Explanation…

5. Our Scenario and Goals in Lab: A couple would like you to test them, and their infant, for the sickle cell gene. 1. Use DNA electrophoresis to sort cut DNA fragments from each person. 2. Find the DNA fragment that encodes for the hemoglobin protein.

6. DNA Electrophoresis

7. The Electrophoresis Equipment

8. Loading a Gel

9. The Results

10. Southern Blots

11. Safety Notes 1. Careful with the electrophoresis equipment. 2. Dilute acid and base solution! Exercise caution and keep below eye level at all times.

12. Connecting Mendel to Lab: Reminder: One of the restriction enzymes (molecular scissors) we used can cut the normal hemoglobin gene, but not the mutant sickle version. normal Sickle cell allele