Towson University Center for STEM Excellence

Bioscience Education and Outreach Program

SciTech Student Learning Laboratory

In this lab, students will investigate the ways in which biotechnology is used to diagnose disease, specifically sickle cell anemia. Sickle cell anemia is a genetic disease that affects the hemoglobin molecule in red blood cells. Using gel electrophoresis, students will determine whether a fictitious patient carries the gene that causes sickle cell anemia. Students will learn how sickle cell anemia is inherited as well as explore the evolution of this disease and its connection to the parasite that causes malaria. The following are available for printing and download:

• Middle School State Curriculum standards covered and


• High School Core Learning Goals covered.