Abstract
In these lab activities, students perform conventional PCR and real-time PCR to simulate pathogenic E. coli detection. The labs were designed to complement a previously published virtual PCR classroom activity in which students are asked to design a PCR-based diagnostic test for a pathogenic strain of E. coli. In the virtual PCR activity, students use bioinformatics to discover that the Shiga toxin genes ( stx1 and stx2 ) are unique to the Enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) strain O157:H7. Thus they come to the conclusion that doing PCR with primers designed for shiga toxin should be able to differentiate O157:H7 from other strains of E. coli. In the lab activity described here, students actually perform the PCR assay. Performing PCR enhanced student understanding of the technique beyond what was accomplished through the virtual PCR classroom activity and is recommended as an addition to the case study.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
