miniPCR® Plant Genetics Lab: Taking Mendel Molecular with Wisconsin Fast Plants®

Investigate the genotypic basis of a phenotype using Wisconsin Fast Plants®.

Investigate the genotypic basis of an observable phenotype using Rapid Cycling Brassica rapa (RCBr), also known by the trademark name Wisconsin Fast Plants®. Wild-type plants grow with a distinctive purple stem due to the pigment anthocyanin. In some RCBr plants, a mutation disrupts the anthocyanin production pathway and leads to green stems. The gene responsible for the purple vs. green color is named Anthocyaninless because the mutant form leads to decreased production of the pigment anthocyanin. Test the Anthocyaninless gene from different plants to link genotype to phenotype.

Reagents and consumables supplied by user:
- Agarose (electrophoresis grade)
- DNA stain (e.g., GelGreen™)
- Gel electrophoresis buffer (e.g., 1X TBE)
- Distilled or deionized H₂O (to dilute buffer concentrate – not included in Lab Companion Kit)
- Microtubes
- PCR tubes

Required equipment:
- Micropipettes and tips
- Thermal cycler
- Gel electrophoresis and visualization system