Genetically Modified Food Project
Over 93% of the the soybeans grown in the U.S. have been genetically modified (see, USDA website). Genetically Modified Foods (or GM for short) continue to dominate the news, and yet many of the foods in the United States do not label the items in the food in a way that will allow the consumer to make an informed decision. The genetically modified food project gives students the opportunity to bring in various items containing soy and test those items using a low cost method. This is also an opportunity for students to consider the different arguments for and against GM food and to use their scientific knowledge to evaluate those arguments.
| Title | Description | File |
|---|---|---|
| Prep 1: Solutions | These solutions are needed for the experiment. | Solutions |
| Prep 2: Tailing probes | In this step, the probes are tailed with a poly A tail. | Tailing Probes |
| Prep 3: Buffers | These are the buffers needed for the experiment. | Buffers |
| Prep 4: Biosensors | Biosensors are assembled from cellulose paper and a solution is baked onto the paper. Students can do this step. | Biosensors |
| Part 1: DNA purification | Students purify DNA from their sample of soy product. | Soy DNA purification |
| Part 2: Running PCR | Students prepare their sample by adding primers and run it overnight. | Running PCR |
| Part 3: Biosensor Readout | Students use biosensors to determine whether their soy product contains GM soy. | Identification of soy food product |