Gene Switches

Catalog #STO-143

How do bacteria turn on and turn off genes?

Time To Complete Time to complete: One 40-minute class period

Switching genes on and off enables bacteria to conserve resources by producing proteins only when they are needed.

  • Make a model of an operon.
  • Learn how the lac operon regulates the expression of bacterial genes essential for lactose metabolism.
Teacher Guide Know Before You Buy! Download Teacher Guide

Limit 1 free sample per customer

Quantity Price
1 - 9$10.50 ea.
10 - 24$9.98 ea.
25 - 1000$9.45 ea.

Each assembled kit contains:

  • Student instructions
  • Large straw pieces (genes in an operon)
  • Chenille stem
  • Mini hair clip (repressor protein)
  • Labels for parts of the operon
  • Plastic car (RNA polymerase)
  • Twist tie (messenger RNA)
  • Beads (ribosomes)
  • Plastic sword, ring, and cube (enzymes)

Also required: (no additional materials required)

Buy Unassembled and Save!

Gene Switches – Pack of 10 Unassembled Kits

Catalog # STO-143U

Unassembled packs contain materials for 10 kits.

  • All supplies, lab materials, and printed labels
  • Student instructions copy master
  • Easy to follow instructions for kit assembly
Quantity Price
1 - 9$73.50 ea.
10 - 1000$69.83 ea.

This kit does not require refills since all its contents are reusable.

Teacher Testimonial

Excellent organization and scaffolding for students.

- High School biology teacher (MD)

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STO-143