Not every cell in the body is alike. Genes may be switched 'on' or 'off' in different cells so that a muscle cell, for instance, is different from an epidermal cell. This kit examines the mechanism by which a particular gene in the bacterium Escherichia Coli, coding for the enzyme b-galactosidase, is turned 'on' in the presence of lactose. This is the gene studied in the 1950's and 60's by Jaques Monod and François Jacob and led to the generally accepted Jacob-Monod model of gene regulation. The kit is an ideal introduction to this complex subject at 'A' level & contains enough material for twenty students. The kit contains:. 3 x 50ml bottles of minimal medium. 1 x 5ml bottle of 5% glucose solution. 1 x 5ml bottle of 5% lactose solution. 1 x 5ml bottle of glucose & lactose solution. 0.3g O-NPG (O-nitrophenyl-beta-D-galactopyranoside). 1 x E-Coli culture. Additional materials required (not included):. Test tubes (3 per student). 4 x pipettes. Access to a 37°C water bath or incubator.
