Mobile electrophoresis kit for high school students: Scientific practices with innovation

Biochem Mol Biol Educ. 2022 Jan;50(1):75-90. doi: 10.1002/bmb.21588. Epub 2021 Nov 6.

Abstract

Gel electrophoresis (GE) is the most preferred and adapted technique for the separation and identification of biological molecules like proteins/peptides and nucleic acids from diverse types of organisms. All over the world, researchers, educators, and students aspiring to work in biochemistry and molecular biology disciplines use the polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) technique for resolving proteins/nucleic acids for understanding the structure and function of any cell. A simple PAGE technique requires a wide range of chemicals/reagents along with a well-equipped and well-spaced laboratory. We have developed a compact and impeccable mobile electrophoresis kit suitable for any vertically oriented PAGE technique. This comprehensive and portable laboratory set-up provides the complete advantages of safety, cost-efficiency, space management, and utility to the researchers for high-throughput research. All new equipment of the mobile electrophoresis kit is fabricated using inexpensive and off-the-rack components. Overall performance of the mobile kit was verified through a practical exercises executed by high school students with positive outcomes.

Keywords: gel electrophoresis; mobile electrophoresis kit; practical exercise; protein.

MeSH terms

  • Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel
  • Humans
  • Laboratories
  • Nucleic Acids*
  • Proteins* / chemistry
  • Students

Substances

  • Nucleic Acids
  • Proteins