Details of Modular Components

The interactive menu allows the viewer to select which learning module they would like to watch. In addition to the individual techniques-based modules, an introduction to the aims of the DVD and fundamental equipment is provided. The fundamentals discussed include avoiding degradation of samples, pipetting skills and standard equipment found in molecular biology laboratories.

More detail on each of the other modules is presented below.  Each module is supported by the detailed protocols provided in the printable manual. Details of hazardous materials/procedures, information about why certain compounds are used in procedures and troubleshooting hints are included in the DVD and the printable manual.

Nucleic acid extraction (Running time: 19 mins 38 secs)

• Animations describing the extraction process
• DNA extraction describing salt and phenol-based methods using red blood cells as an example RNA extraction using a TRIzol®-based method using plant material as an example
• Quantifying nucleic acid

Polymerase chain reaction (Running time: 13 mins 9 secs)

• Animations describing the basic steps during polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
• Description and examples of standard PCR, reverse-transcriptase PCR and quantitative PCR

Restriction enzyme digests (Running time: 2 mins 51 secs)

• Description and example of how restriction enzymes function and are used to digest nucleic acid

Gel electrophoresis (Running time: 18 mins 51 secs)

• Animations describing how gel electrophoresis separates individual nucleic acid fragments
• Description and examples of agarose and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis

cDNA libraries and cloning (14 mins 10 secs)

• Animations describing the production of cDNA libraries
• Examples and animations describing the following processes:
  • cDNA synthesis
  • cloning cDNA
  • screening for clones
  • confirmation and identification of cDNA

Blotting of nucleic acids (7 mins 05 secs)

• Animations describing the blotting process
• Description and example of blotting using upward capillary transfer

Introduction to molecular markers (20 mins 41 secs)

• Animations describing molecular markers, their use, advantages/disadvantages and their development
• Description and examples of DNA-based markers including RFLPs, RAPDs, microsatellites, SNPs, AFLPs
• Animations and description of the use of RNA in candidate gene approaches.