Join cutting edge research at MIT and design a biological circuit that can sense and destroy cancer cells.
University / College
Use the specific microRNA profile of cancer cells to design an apoptotic biological circuit that is only activated in cancer cells. You are the only hope for a patient with a rare form of cancer.
Learn how to use the Gateway cloning technique
In the Synthetic Biology simulation, you will learn how to use the Gateway cloning technique to combine different genetic modules in an expression vector. You will learn how the Gateway cloning technique can be used to efficiently combine these modules. Use electroporation to transform the bacteria with your vector of interest and select successful transformants. You will learn all about the basics of sterile lab work and bacterial selection.
Extract and isolate plasmids
Your next task in the lab will be to grow the transformed bacteria and extract the plasmids using a ‘miniprep’ kit. You will learn how different buffers enable you to isolate plasmid, and not genomic, DNA from the cells. You will check if the plasmid, indeed, contains your circuit, and if it is mutation-free by digesting it with restriction enzymes and by using gel electrophoresis. In the end you will test your circuit in living cells to see if the cancer cells are the only cells that die.
Will you be able to find a cure for this rare form of cancer?
Length:
62
mins
Accessibility mode:
Available
Languages:
English (United States)
Italian
Spanish
German
French
Course Packages:
At the end of this simulation, you will be able to:
Engineer natural systems to perform specific functions
Describe the fundamentals of the Gateway cloning technique and design your own biological circuit
Explain and perform bacterial transformation, antibiotic selection and plasmid purification
Explain and perform a restriction digest of your cloning product
At the end of this simulation, you will be able to:
University
NGSS
IB
AP
Engage students in science through interactive learning scenarios. Simulate experiments, train lab techniques, and teach theory through visual experiences that enhance long-term learning outcomes.
300+ Web-based simulations that can be played on laptops, Chromebooks, and tablets/iPads without installing any software
Teacher dashboard to automate grading and track student progress
Embedded quizzes to help students master science content
Library of learning resources, lab reports, videos, theory pages, graphics and more
Elevate your nursing program with UbiSim, a VR solution dedicated to clinical excellence.
Track student progress
Assess with embedded quiz questions
Invite your students to play simulations
Explore over 300 Labster simulations
30 days for free, no credit card needed
Labster integrates with all major LMS (Learning Management Systems) so that educators can use their gradebooks to track students’ performance data and students can keep a record of their work. Labster is compatible with Canvas, Blackboard, Moodle, Google Classroom, Schoology, Sakai, and Brightspace / D2L. It’s also possible to use Labster without an LMS.
