In Search of the Cholesterol Gene

Students study familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), a genetic disease causing high LDL cholesterol and increased risk of heart disease and stroke. The experiment includes a colorimetric enzymatic cholesterol test and agarose gel electrophoresis to analyze a simulated genetic screening. • Explore cholesterol metabolism and genetic risk • Perform a clinical-style colorimetric cholesterol assay • Use gel electrophoresis to examine simulated FH gene variants