Muta-Lab™ Synthetic Testing Educational Kit

muta lab synthetic mutagenicity educational kit logo

Simulating Mutagenicity (Ames Test) Testing for the Classroom

 

 

Timeline: 75 Minutes

About the synthetic Muta-LabTM:  The synthetic Muta-LabTM is able to simulate a reverse mutation Ames Test in bacteria. Students gain practical knowledge by conducting a real-world procedure by simulating a test of different samples and watch as the bacteria in the prepared samples perform a reverse mutation. The kit was designed to give reproducible results that are similar to the bacterial based experiment.

Typical results for the synthetic Muta-LabTM are shown in the right. The clear colour distinction between purple and yellow allows for accurate results (see Figure 1).		  high School Mutation Test plate
Figure 1		 Reaction: This experiment involves a simulation of a test that includes four samples using two simulated Salmonella mutant strains (named TA 100 and TA 98). The tests will be carried out in the presence or absence of the S9 enzyme, with four unknown chemicals being tested, called A, B, C, and D. The results will determine which type of mutation, if any, each of the chemicals caused.
 
 

 EDUCATIONAL LAB HANDOUT

 

muta lab synthetic mutagenicity educational kit logo

 

Download the Handout which includes Educator Resources, Student Handout, Preparation, and Lab Procedure.

Learning Goals (see About Us for Details):  LG 1, LG 2, LG 3, LG 4, LG 11

Synthetic Muta-LabTM Information for the Educator

The synthetic Muta-LabTM is offered in a format that will meet the needs of most class sizes and
schedules. Each kit contains sufficient components for one lab experiment.  The bottles and vials
in the synthetic Muta-LabTM are labelled with clear, bold letters that are coded.  The synthetic
Muta-LabTM is designed for students to work in 12 groups of two to three students each. We also
provide resources to complete the lab experiment along with a lab booklet. Each booklet contains information on concepts, preparation, the procedure, observing and recording results, further
analysis, and a student lab report for assessment and evaluation. EBPI can supply further supplies and equipment as needed. See our supplies and equipment section for further information. 

If you have further inquiries or concerns, please contact us.