Using Fluorescence in Biotechnology Instruction to Visualize Antibiotic Resistance & DNA

Fluorescence technology has many useful applications for both research and teaching, among them the detection of fluorescence in live transgenic organisms and of DNA in agarose gels. However, dedicated fluorescence imaging systems can be expensive and complex. We describe a simple apparatus for non-microscopic fluorescence imaging using affordable and readily available parts. We describe three activities of increasing complexity that utilize fluorescence illumination and teach principles of fluorescence. At the high school level, our more advanced activities can be used for lessons addressing NGSS performance expectations in HS-LS3 and HS-LS4.