This kit contains the materials needed to uniquely identify fungal species using DNA technology. There are hundreds of thousands of known species of wild mushrooms and other fungi in the world. And millions more that we are yet to discover! Fungi can be found in virtually all known ecosystems, yet many species look similar to each other, making them difficult to identify by eye. Start with your own samples, from the mold on your overripe tomato to wild-harvested fruiting mushrooms. Once you have extracted their DNA, you will be able to amplify 80 unique fungal DNA barcodes by PCR and, with the help of an add-on kit and a sequencing service, obtain DNA sequences for up to 40 of them. Techniques: Micropipetting, DNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, bioinformatics Topics: Biodiversity monitoring, DNA barcoding, species identification Time required: This is a project-based activity that requires at leastthree class periods for completion Level: Advanced high school, college, independent research This is an advanced lab activity with unknown outcomes and is ideal for independent research projects. <