Genetically Modified Foods

Difficulty
Time Required	Average (6-10 days)
Prerequisites	Access to a research laboratory with PCR equipment is required for this project.
Material Availability	Requires purchase of Bio-Rad's GMO Investigator Kit. Information about how to order from Bio-Rad can be found here.
Cost	Very High (over $150)
Safety	Adult supervision is required in the laboratory facility.

*Note: This is an abbreviated Project Idea, without notes to start your background research, a specific list of materials, 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 from the Bio-Rad Biotechnology Explorer Program. The GMO Investigator kit uses PCR and DNA electrophoresis (shown in Figure 1, below) 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)

Figure 1. Using the GMO Investigator Kit, you can perform PCR and DNA electrophoresis, which is shown here (a gel is being loaded with DNA), to test for GMO-associated DNA sequences in food products. (Photo courtesy of Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.)

Cite This Page

General citation information is provided here. Be sure to check the formatting, including capitalization, for the method you are using and update your citation, as needed.

MLA Style

Science Buddies Staff. "Genetically Modified Foods." Science Buddies, 28 July 2017, https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project-ideas/BioChem_p025/biotechnology-techniques/genetically-modified-foods. Accessed 15 Aug. 2018.

APA Style

Science Buddies Staff. (2017, July 28). Genetically Modified Foods. Retrieved from https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project-ideas/BioChem_p025/biotechnology-techniques/genetically-modified-foods

Last edit date: 2017-07-28

Bibliography

Bio-Rad, 2006. "Biotechnology Explorer Program," Bio-Rad Laboratories [accessed 3/25/06] http://explorer.bio-rad.com.

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Materials and Equipment

Note: Bio-Rad Kits are sold directly to schools. Please visit this page to learn how to purchase one.

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Genetically Modified Foods *

Abstract