Geno-Lab™ Testing Educational Kit

geno lab bacterial genotoxicity educational kit

 

Detecting genotoxicity or DNA damage for the Classroom 

 

Timeline: 150 Minutes to 225 Minutes

About the Geno-LabTM: The Geno-LabTM is based on genetically engineered E.coli, which measures the primary response of a cell to genetic damage.  The Geno-LabTM provides a clear, completely objective measurement of the genotoxicity of a sample by a simple visual qualitative evaluation of the degree of DNA damage the cell experiences by observing the colour obtained.

Typical results are shown in a diagram
(Figure 1).  Column 1 contains the Positive control (4-NQO). Column 2 contains the Negative control which is the Geno-Lab™ diluent and bacteria only.  Columns 4, 6, 8, and 10 are the collected samples diluted in each well down the column.

Geno Lab Bacterial Lab Results 
Figure 1

 Reaction: The bacteria used in the Geno-Lab™ is an engineered Escherichia Coli strain developed as an indicator organism for genotoxicity testing systems, and includes a gene coding for the β-galactosidase (β-gal) enzyme tethered to an SOS promoter. When DNA damage occurs, the SOS system is activated and β-gal gets transcribed proportionally to the level of SOS induction. Even limited repairable damage to genetic material is detected by the Geno-Lab™ due to the placement of the β-gal gene upstream of repair enzyme genes. Therefore, a positive response is produced regardless of cellular repair being initiated and the lesion being fixed.

 

EDUCATIONAL HANDOUT

 

geno lab bacterial genotoxicity 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 7, LG 8, LG 9
 
 
Geno-LabTM Information for the Educator

The Geno-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
Geno-Lab™ are labelled with clear, bold letters that are coded. The Geno-LabTM is designed for
students to work in six groups of three to four students. 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.