Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Hello,
I am planning on a project on comparing regular soybeans to GM soybeans for my science fair project.
I have done experiments in the past with clover plants where I compared the Rhizobia to nitrogen fertilizer by measuring the sufficiency of nitrogen in the soil(I got the idea from Sciencebuddies actually.. called Bacteria can Fix It!)as well as the biomass of the dehydrated plants, and then the next year, I repeated the experiment, only with Ammonium nitrate solution in place of nitrogen fertilizer, and measured the amount of atmospheric carbon dioxide the plants were absorbing and producing through photosynthesis/cellular respiration. I conducted this experiment using a CO2 gas measuring device.
This year, I am planning to sort of repeat the project again but with a different kind of legume plant (soybeans) and take advantage of the fact that GM soybeans are popular. Also, I am adding another test where I measure the amount of O2 produced in the atmosphere of the plants. All these experiments will be done either inside a jar (which I did past years) or a bigger space like under a hood. Growth lights are going to be placed in the area.
First of all, is there a place I can order GM soybean seeds alone online? I've seen kits and things that have GM soybeans but not them alone by themselves.
Also, do you have any suggestions on another way of determining the plants' health other than measuring the amount of CO2 and O2 consumed/produced, or the biomass?

Thanks

Hi Jess,

It sounds like you are really experienced in this area of research, and have just about everything you need to do the experiments. As to a source for GM soybeans, I would suggest talking to a representative of the company that produces the seed for farmers. Oftentimes companies are happy to help young students with science projects and will provide materials at no charge. Alternatively, you could try to find some farmers who use GM seeds and ask them to mail you some, with an offer to pay postage. It's worth a try.

As i understand it, there are several different genetic modifications that have been made to soybeans that make them resistant to the herbicide RoundUp or produce a higher yield of oil or protein. I'm not sure if any of these modifications would affect the plant's utilization of CO2 or their production of O2, however. That is a function of photosynthesis and respiration which should be the same in GM vs non-GM soybeans. It is possible that the gene-modification process caused some additional unforeseen mutations in their metabolism which could result in lower CO2 use in the GMOs.

If you could get GM soybeans that were modified to produce more oil then native plants, then you could compare the yield of oil as a measure of the plant's health.

Aside from these suggestions, i am not expert enough in this area to help you. Maybe someone else can offer some ideas.

Best regards,

Sybee