03 - Chick Check: The Genetics Behind Blue Chicken Eggs
Experiment Overview EXPERIMENT OBJECTIVE:
Students will uncover the genetics behind how some chickens lay blue eggs and how this genetic trait is inherited. They will compare DNA from different chicken breeds that lay blue or non blue shelled eggs, use a 3-primer PCR test to detect a viral DNA insertion near the SLCO1B3 gene that causes the blue shell phenotype, analyze DNA band patterns on an agarose gel, and use the results to choose breeding pairs that will produce a line of chickens that reliably lays blue eggs (homozygous blue). LABORATORY SAFETY: 1. Gloves and goggles should be worn routinely as good laboratory practice. 2. Exercise extreme caution when working with equipment that is used in conjunction with the heating and/or melting of reagents. 3. DO NOT MOUTH PIPET REAGENTS - USE PIPET PUMPS. 4. Exercise caution when using any electrical equipment in the laboratory. 5. Always wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling reagents or bio- logical materials in the laboratory.
Wear gloves and safety goggles
LABORATORY NOTEBOOKS: Scientists document everything that happens during an experiment, including experimental conditions, thoughts and observations while conducting the experiment, and, of course, any data collected. Today, you’ll be document- ing your experiment in a laboratory notebook or on a separate worksheet. Before starting the Experiment •
Carefully read the introduction and the protocol. Use this information to form a hypothesis for this experi- ment. • Predict the results of your experiment. During the Experiment: • Record your observations. After the Experiment • Interpret the results – does your data support or contradict your hypothesis? • If you repeated this experiment, what would you change? Revise your hypothesis to reflect this change. NOTE: Experimental times are approximate.
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