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Human Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Determination Lab
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In this two-part laboratory exercise from Carleton College, students determine which allelic form of a particular single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) they possess. In the first lab session, students isolate their own cheek-cell DNA from a specific segment that contains one SNP and perform polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to amplify the region surrounding this SNP. In the second session, they digest the DNA with a restriction enzyme and run the product(s) of the digest on a gel, in order to detect different forms of a SNP in their own DNA. The lab helps students better understand PCR techniques and the importance of SNPs in medical diagnoses and in studies of human evolution. It can be used as a stand-alone activity or to support “A Case Study on Genome Privacy,” a classroom activity, available online, that was developed as part of an introductory biology course on genes at Carleton College. A student lab handout contains background information, explains DNA isolation and other technical procedures in detail, and provides space for students to work out the results they would expect to find. The website also contains notes for instructors and teaching assistants who run the lab, an example gel, a detailed list of equipment and supplies, and additional resources and background information.
Gel Electrophoresis Background
The student lab handout explains gel electrophoresis procedures in detail.
Media: PDF
Notes for TAs and instructors, SNP Lab
The website's notes for teaching assistants and instructors provide detailed descriptions of how to run the lab, including information about the PCR primers and expected fragment sizes.
Media: PDFProgram Director: Fernan Jaramillo, Ph.D.
Award Years: 1988, 1993, 1996, 2004, 2008
Summary: Carleton College is a private baccalaureate institution in Northfield, Minnesota. Its HHMI-funded initiatives include:
- The Carleton Interdisciplinary Science and Math Initiative, a long-term project that supports a broad array of multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary and collaborative activities between the science and mathematics departments;
- A Science Scholars workshop, held over winter break, to help students develop strong relationships with science faculty;
- A summer undergraduate research program, which gives students the chance to work with professors on authentic research problems in science and math; and
- The Freshman Interdepartmental Science Cohort Experience, which helps freshmen with high potential and interest in science gain research opportunities, skills for academic success and mentoring.