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This kit explores the molecular basis of the inherited ability to taste the bitter chemical phenylthiocarbamide (PTC). Students determine their ability to taste PTC using taste paper. They then use safe saline mouthwash and Chelex® extraction to obtain a sample of their own DNA and amplify a 221-nucleotide region of the PTC taste receptor gene.
Advanced - For experienced high school and college classes; requires some basic technical skill.
This kit explores the molecular basis of the inherited ability to taste the bitter chemical phenylthiocarbamide (PTC), which was first described in the 1930s by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory scientist Albert Blakeslee. Students determine their ability to taste PTC using taste paper. They then use safe saline mouthwash and Chelex® extraction to obtain a sample of their own DNA and amplify a 221-nucleotide region of the PTC taste receptor gene. The 2 alleles differ by a single nucleotide, so restriction digestion of the amplified product followed by gel electrophoresis effectively differentiates the 2 alleles. One allele strongly correlates to the ability to taste PTC. After scoring their SNP genotypes, students determine how well the SNP genotypes actually correlate to tasting.
Kit provides materials for 25 PCR reactions and restriction digests. Kit also includes a prepaid coupon to request perishable materials later at your convenience. Contact us or return the coupon to request delivery of perishables.
Components | Qty | Included? |
---|---|---|
pBR322/BstNI Markers, 0.075 μg/μL, 200 μL ![]() |
1 | Included |
HaeIII Restriction Enzyme, 40 μL ![]() |
1 | Included |
PTC Primer/Loading Dye Mix, 700 μL ![]() |
1 | Included |
Chelex® Resin, 1.5 g | 1 | Included |
Ready-to-Go™ PCR Beads (0.2 mL tubes) | 25 | Included |
Mineral Oil, 5 mL | 1 | Included |
PTC Taste Strips | 100 | Included |
Control Taste Strips | 100 | Included |
Agarose, 10 g | 1 | Included |
TBE Buffer, 200 mL | 1 | Included |
CarolinaBLU® Final Stain, 375 mL | 1 | Included |
CarolinaBLU® Gel and Buffer Stain, 7 mL | 1 | Included |
Latex Gloves | 12 | Included |
Staining Trays | 9 | Included |
Teacher's Manual and Reproducible Student Guide | 1 | Included |
Saline Solution, 0.9% | Needed, Not included | |
Micropipets and Tips, 1 μL to 1000 μL | Needed, Not included | |
Microcentrifuge Tubes, 1.5 mL | Needed, Not included | |
Microcentrifuge Tube Racks | Needed, Not included | |
Microcentrifuge for 1.5 mL Tubes | Needed, Not included | |
PCR Tubes, 0.2 or 0.5 mL | Needed, Not included | |
Tube Adapters for Microcentrifuge, 0.2 or 0.5 mL | Needed, Not included | |
Programmable Thermal Cycler | Needed, Not included | |
Electrophoresis Chambers | Needed, Not included | |
Electrophoresis Power Supplies | Needed, Not included | |
Gel-staining Trays | Needed, Not included | |
White Light Box | Needed, Not included | |
Paper Cups | Needed, Not included | |
Permanent Markers | Needed, Not included | |
Contrainer with Cracked or Crushed Ice | Needed, Not included | |
Boiling Water Bath (optional) | Needed, Not included | |
Camera (optional) | Needed, Not included |
Carolina Biological and the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory's DNA Learning Center (DNALC) have partnered together since 1986 to make molecular genetics and biotechnology more accessible to students globally. Focused on creating innovative classroom activities that give students the opportunity to go hands-on with DNA and explore the core principles of genetics. Together we have constantly worked to increase the accessibility of many key scientific breakthroughs for classrooms globally, including such techniques as PCR, DNA Sequencing, and RNAi.
Bringing a Carolina and DNALC kit into your classroom introduces your students to the experience of scientific research on its highest level, in some cases Nobel Prize winning research, with ease and simplicity. Each kit features in-depth background information, classroom tested protocols, pre-packaged materials, and the knowledgeable technical support of the Carolina Biological team. Our wide selection of kits in this series offers educators' unmatched opportunities to bring biotechnology or genetics into their classroom, with a best in class product.
At Carolina, we believe that innovative research doesn't just belong in a lab—it belongs in your classroom.
The DNA Learning Center (DNALC) is the world's first science center devoted entirely to genetics education and is an operating unit of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, an important center for molecular genetics research. The mission of the DNA Learning Center is to prepare students and families to thrive in the gene age. We envision a day when all elementary students are exposed to principles of genetics and disease risk; when all high school students have the opportunity to do hands-on experiments with DNA; and when all families have access to genetic information they need to make informed health care choices.