PCR and primers
Diagram the steps of PCR and explain how primers and restriction enzymes target specific DNA.
Labeled PCR diagram showing all three steps with temperatures, primer binding sites, restriction enzyme cut, and one bridging sentence to gel electrophoresis.
- 1Do thisDiagram the steps of PCR and explain how primers and restriction enzymes target specific DNA.
- 2Use this resource
- 3Submit thisNotebook check: Labeled PCR diagram showing all three steps with temperatures, primer binding sites, restriction enzyme cut, and one bridging sentence to gel electrophoresis.
- 4Submit it here
- 1CMSD website. Go to clevelandmetroschools.org and click the Clever button.
- 2Clever. Clever opens. Sign in if it asks.
- 3Microsoft (district) login. Use your district Microsoft account (the one for school).
- 4Schoology. Open Schoology, then your class, then Assignments, and find the file named below.
The file to submit is named: Genetics of Disease (Medical Interventions) › PCR, restriction enzymes, electrophoresis, microarrays, and the limits of each method. › Notebook checkOpen Schoology
- CER:
- Claim, Evidence, Reasoning — make a claim, back it with evidence, explain your reasoning.
- SOP:
- Standard Operating Procedure — the exact steps to follow (especially in a lab).
- Tracker:
- Your PLTW progress log where you record completed evidence.
- myPLTW:
- The PLTW course site where you do the online activities — you open it through Schoology.
Minute-by-minute · 80-minute block
💡 Big idea: How does PCR act as a molecular photocopier that makes one target sequence readable amid billions of others?
- 0-8Hook: crime-scene scenario; introduce PCR as molecular amplification
- 8-25Draw and label three PCR steps with temperatures
- 25-45Add primers to diagram; explain why sequence controls what is copied
- 45-60Add restriction enzyme cut site and recognition sequence note
- 60-72Write one sentence connecting PCR output to gel input
- 72-80Submit diagram; preview Wednesday gel lab supplies and safety
- • Hook: Ask: if a crime scene has one cell, and you need a million copies to run any test, what do you do?
- • Why it matters: PCR is the foundation of COVID testing, forensic DNA analysis, and the gel work you do tomorrow.
- • Today's work: You build the diagram so you can use it as a reference when interpreting gel bands Wednesday.
- • Exit goal: Fully labeled PCR diagram submitted before the bell.
- 1Draw the three PCR steps, denaturation, annealing, and extension, and label the temperature of each.
- 2Show where two primers bind and explain why their sequence determines what gets copied.
- 3Add a note on how a restriction enzyme cuts DNA at a specific recognition site.
- 4Write one sentence on why PCR is needed before you can run a gel.
- 5Submit your labeled PCR diagram as your daily evidence.
- • You'll be able to diagram and label the three steps of PCR.
- • You'll be able to explain how primers and restriction enzymes target specific sequences.
- • PCR steps: denaturation (~95 C separates strands), annealing (~55-65 C primers bind), extension (~72 C Taq adds nucleotides).
- • Primers are short single-stranded sequences complementary to the flanking regions of the target; only the region between them is copied.
- • Restriction enzymes cut double-stranded DNA at specific palindromic recognition sequences, producing fragments of defined size.
Your PLTW work today
PCR, restriction enzymes, electrophoresis, microarrays, and the limits of each method. · PCR and primers
Day 2 of this lesson. Open this exact section in myPLTW (reached through Schoology), then do the work below.
Do this: Open Activity 2.1.2 Copying Our Genes in myPLTW and build your labeled PCR diagram showing all three steps.
Mark the PCR activity complete after your diagram is submitted.
Monday debate should be posted; PCR diagram due today.
Labeled PCR diagram with all three steps, temperatures, primer sites, and restriction enzyme cut submitted.
All PLTW activities are completed inside the PLTW course environment — this page only gives direction. Submit producibles on Schoology.
Today's PLTW tracker
Check things off as you work, then submit. This tells Mr. Mendoza how you're doing so he can help the class. It does not replace turning in your producible on Schoology.
Use the code Mr. Mendoza gave you, not your name. Saved on this device.
PCR, restriction enzymes, electrophoresis, microarrays, and the limits of each method. · PCR and primers
Open Activity 2.1.2 Copying Our Genes in myPLTW and build your labeled PCR diagram showing all three steps.
Monday debate should be posted; PCR diagram due today.
This is how Mr. Mendoza sees the class keeping pace with PLTW. Be honest, it only helps if it is accurate.
🎯 Diagram the steps of PCR and explain how primers and restriction enzymes target specific DNA.
- Draw the three PCR steps, denaturation, annealing, and extension, and label the temperature of each.
- Show where two primers bind and explain why their sequence determines what gets copied.
- Add a note on how a restriction enzyme cuts DNA at a specific recognition site.
- Write one sentence on why PCR is needed before you can run a gel.
- Submit your labeled PCR diagram as your daily evidence.
Notebook check: Labeled PCR diagram showing all three steps with temperatures, primer binding sites, restriction enzyme cut, and one bridging sentence to gel electrophoresis.
Submit on SchoologyUpload by 11:29 PM for full credit.
| Task | Who |
|---|---|
| Draw the three PCR steps, denaturation, annealing, and extension, and label the temperature of each. | _______ |
| Show where two primers bind and explain why their sequence determines what gets copied. | _______ |
| Add a note on how a restriction enzyme cuts DNA at a specific recognition site. | _______ |
| Write one sentence on why PCR is needed before you can run a gel. | _______ |
| Submit your labeled PCR diagram as your daily evidence. | _______ |
Working solo? Put your own name in "Who" for every row.
- You'll be able to diagram and label the three steps of PCR.
- You'll be able to explain how primers and restriction enzymes target specific sequences.
Teacher-posted resources
Classroom documents for this lesson. Ones marked “Open the file” open right here; the rest are posted in Schoology. Use the label on each card to choose the right move.
Open this when the class reaches this activity and use it to complete the required lesson artifact.
Placement rationale
Matched PCR, gel electrophoresis, microarrays by path:Medical-Interventions/Unit-2_How-to-Screen-Your-Genes/2.1_Genetic-Testing-and-Screening; keywords:pcr, gel electrophoresis. Score 142. Visibility: student-schoology (student-facing resource; link through Schoology rather than local path).
Use this if you were absent, got stuck, or need another pass before you submit the lesson artifact.
Placement rationale
Matched PCR, gel electrophoresis, microarrays by path:Medical-Interventions/Unit-2_How-to-Screen-Your-Genes/00_Unit-Overview; keywords:pcr, gel electrophoresis. Score 138. Visibility: student-schoology (student-facing resource; link through Schoology rather than local path).
Use this after the required lesson work when you are ready for a harder application or a deeper connection.
Placement rationale
Matched PCR, gel electrophoresis, microarrays by path:Medical-Interventions/Unit-2_How-to-Screen-Your-Genes/2.1_Genetic-Testing-and-Screening; keywords:gel electrophoresis. Score 134. Visibility: student-schoology (student-facing resource; link through Schoology rather than local path).
How to get there: open the CMSD website, click Clever, sign in with your Microsoft (district) account, then open Schoology from Clever.
Lab & supplies
WebXam practice
Cumulative WebXam review
A quick mixed-review pulling questions from earlier units plus today, so the WebXam material stays fresh.
Where this leads — careers
What today's skills lead to. These are real health-science careers this course builds toward. Tap one to see, on the US Department of Labor's O*NET site, what the job actually involves, what it pays, and how fast it is growing.
What to do if you were absent
Today is individual PLTW work, so do exactly what we did in class, from home: complete the same PLTW target above, then submit your Notebook check.
Open Schoology (CMSD) and keep goingHow to get there: open the CMSD website, click Clever, sign in with your Microsoft (district) account, then open Schoology from Clever.
Class still runs. Complete the online activity above (it's self-guided). Need the concept taught without a teacher? Use this authoritative explainer:
Genetic Science Learning Center: Gel ElectrophoresisOptional extra credit (async)
You've passed Unit 2, so the optional extra-credit track is open. Complete reserved-unit work from home (virtual labs included) for extra credit, all submitted on Schoology.
Open the extra-credit track- CompleteEvery required part of the artifact is present, nothing left blank.
- AccurateThe science and the data are correct and match the evidence.
- Scientific reasoningYou explain your claim with evidence and reasoning (CER), not just an answer.
- Professional communicationClear, organized, labeled, and written the way a clinician or scientist would.
- SubmittedTurned in the right way (Schoology for routine work) and confirmed.
Drop your Wed, Oct 21, 2026 · PCR and primers here. Use a clear file name (your initials + project). Routine work still goes to Schoology (via the CMSD portal).
Upload a project