Description
Advanced – For experienced high school and college classes; requires some basic technical skill.
Explore a modern application of genetic engineering through this exciting laboratory activity. Many commercial crops are genetically modified (GM) to include a transferred gene (transgene) for herbicide resistance. This activity investigates whether the soy or corn ingredients in various processed foods contain a genetic modification.
Students will:
- Isolate DNA from wild-type and GM plant material (provided controls), and from food products of their choice
- Use the extracted DNA as a template in 2 separate PCR reactions run under the same conditions
- Observe a positive control to amplify a portion of the tubulin gene found in all plants in one reaction
- Observe the other assays for genetic modification in the second reaction
Each group works with a plant control and a food product. Kit includes materials for 25 PCR reactions and perishable materials.
Note: Kit and perishable components ship separately and may arrive on different days. Order kit to arrive 1 month before performing lab.
Product Features
- Uses CarolinaBLU® DNA stain
- PuReTaq™ Ready-to-Go™ PCR Beads
- Electrophoresis reagents
- Kit equips 25 students
- Includes 1-year access to digital resources