Related Links
Project Summary
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Time required | Average (about one week) |
| Prerequisites | Access to a research laboratory with PCR equipment is required for this project. |
| Material Availability | Kit available for purchase online from Bio-Rad, catalog #166-2500EDU |
| Cost | Very High (over $150) |
| Safety | Adult supervision is required in the laboratory facility. |
Donate to Science Buddies
|
Sponsor
| Sponsored by generous grants from Bio-Rad and its Biotechnology Explorer program |
|
 |
| Inspiring minds want to know. Unravel the mysteries of biotech |
| explorer.bio-rad.com |
| * Note: This is an abbreviated project idea, without notes to start your background research or a procedure for how to do the experiment. You can identify abbreviated project ideas by the asterisk at the end of the title. If you want a project idea with full instructions, please pick one without an asterisk. |
Abstract
Have your favorite foods been genetically modified? Genetically modified (GM) foods do not require labeling in the USA, and foods with less than 5% content from genetically modified organisms (GMOs) can be labeled "GMO free." In Europe and Asia, GM foods require labeling only if they contain more than 1% GM content. You can investigate whether your favorite food products, like corn tortilla chips, are made from genetically modified organisms using the GMO Investigator Kit (Catalog #166-2500EDU) from the Bio-Rad Biotechnology Explorer Program. The GMO Investigator kit uses PCR and DNA electrophoresis to test for the presence of two different GMO-associated DNA sequences: the 35S promoter of the cauliflower mosaic virus, and the terminator of the nopaline synthase gene of Agrobacterium tumefaciens. These DNA sequences are present in most (> 80%) of the GM crops that are approved for distribution worldwide. In addition, the integrity of the plant DNA extracted from food is tested by using PCR to amplify a section of the Photosystem II chloroplast gene that is common to most higher plants. (Bio-Rad, 2006)Bibliography
Bio-Rad, 2006. "Biotechnology Explorer Program," Bio-Rad Laboratories [accessed 3/25/06] http://explorer.bio-rad.com.Materials and Equipment
Note: Bio-Rad Kits are sold directly to schools. To purchase, please have your school contact Bio-Rad at 800-424-6723 to verify account information and to place the order for you. Existing accounts will have orders processed within a day, and establishing an account will take approximately 48 hours.Variations
- For more science project ideas in this area of science, see Biotechnology Project Ideas.
Last edit date: 2009-01-05 12:00:00
Career Focus
If you like this project, you might want to think about career opportunities in
Biotechnology.
Growing, aging, digesting—all of these are examples of chemical processes performed by living organisms. Biochemists study how these types of chemical actions happen in cells and tissues, and monitor what effects new substances, like food additives and medicines, have on living organisms. Learn more about this career: Biochemist.
|
Join Science Buddies
Become a Science Buddies member! It's free! As a member you will be the first to receive our new and innovative project ideas, news about upcoming science competitions, science fair tips, and information on other science related initiatives.
Support Science Buddies
If this website has helped you, won't you consider a small gift so we may continue developing resources to help teachers and students?
|
