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About This Simulation
Discover Next Generation Sequencing by analyzing the mRNA from pig tissues and identify a new gene linked to obesity. Confirm your results using qPCR to analyze the expression levels of your gene!
Learning Objectives
- Prepare samples for Next Generation Sequencing
- Understand the principles behind the Next Generation Sequencing technique
- Perform a qPCR experiment with the proper controls
About This Simulation
Lab Techniques
- Next Generation Sequencing data analysis
- qPCR
- cDNA synthesis
- Sample for Preparation for Next Generation sequencing
Related Standards
- HS-LS3-2
- HS-LS3-1
- Unit 6: Gene Expression and Regulation
- Biology Unit 1: Cell Biology
Learn More About This Simulation
It is now well-known that obesity is linked to genes in your DNA – but which ones are they? In this simulation, you will learn how to sequence DNA and screen for genes that might be over-expressed in obese pigs. To do so, you will have to use state-of-the-art techniques such as Next Generation Sequencing and qPCR and perform proper data analysis to single out specific genes.
Identify a new gene linked to obesity
As part of a project to study obesity and using pig samples as a model, students will sequence the messenger RNA molecules to identify if a gene is overexpressed in an obese pig compared to a lean one. They will confirm their results with a different technique, quantitative PCR (qPCR) and learn the role of the gene in the human metabolism.
Next Generation Sequencing and qPCR
In order to sequence their samples, the student will first have to perform a RT-PCR to generate cDNA from mRNA, then prepare the samples for Next Generation Sequencing by adding the proper genetic labels. After sequencing, they will analyze their data to single out a gene that could be linked to obesity. To confirm their findings, the students will also have to design a quantitative PCR (qPCR) with the proper controls and analyze the resulting curves. This simulation allows students to see the process inside the Next Generation Sequencing machine, as well as perform two high-level techniques (sequencing and qPCR) in a very short period of time.
Publish your data
The discovery of a new gene which could partially explain the effect of obesity would be worth publishing in an eminent scientific journal. Will you be able to single out such a gene from your sequencing experiment?
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For Science Programs Providing a Learning Advantage
North Dakota State College of Science
“They did the simulation at home, then completed the in-person lab within 30 minutes, no questions asked, and passed the quiz with flying colors.”
Lecturer in Human Physiology
University of Westminster
"I saw some of the students who clearly didn’t necessarily like sitting there reading a book discover they could turn on Labster and keep up with the rest of the class because it spoke to them.
Modesto City Schools
"Having something that's engaging for the students gives teachers that opportunity to breathe and get excited again. Because they're seeing the kids light up, they're seeing the kids engage with content."
Wenatchee Valley College
"The question always is, ‘Can we demonstrate that the students are meeting course outcomes?’ Check! We can do that.”
San José State University
"We surveyed over 400 students. More than 90% thought Labster was easy to navigate, and that it was fun, but more importantly, most of them felt confident that they could execute the labs in person. And that confidence is a big deal."
FAQs
Find answers to frequently asked questions.
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Labster supports a wide range of courses at the high school and university level across fields in biology, chemistry and physics. Some simulations mimic lab procedures with high fidelity to train foundational skills, while others are meant to bring theory to life through interactive scenarios.