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Refresh kit components reduce packaging waste, reuse components, and refresh your kits, and you’ll save storage space by purchasing individual items. Bio-Rad now has many individual components for Biotechnology Explorer kits available for purchase.
Learn tips and techniques for preparing agar plates and agarose gels in large quantities.
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Are GM crops a good thing? Many people who object to the use of GM crops argue that there is a potential for "superweeds" to arise through cross-pollination with herbicide resistant crops, or that "superbugs" will evolve to be resistant to the toxins in pest-resistant crops. Many are concerned about potential allergic reactions to novel proteins, antibiotic resistance arising from the selectable markers used to develop the crops, or other unforeseen effects on public health. Some voice concerns that we have not done enough research to fully understand the implications of altering the planet's plant diversity.
Proponents of GM crops and foods argue that these crops are beneficial for the environment because they reduce the use of herbicides and pesticides that are toxic to the environment and human health. In addition, GM crops may preserve arable land by reducing stresses on the land, improve the nutritional value of food for developing countries, and allow crops to be grown on previously nonarable land.
Regardless of where your students stand on the GM debate, won't they be interested to know how much of the corn- or soy-based foods they eat have been genetically modified?
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 >85% of the GM crops that are approved for distribution worldwide. As a control for the integrity of the plant DNA extracted from food, PCR is used to amplify a section of the photosystem II chloroplast gene that is common to most higher plants. Students engage in a complete investigation in which they gather sample food items from the grocery store, extract DNA from the samples, amplify the DNA using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and use agarose gel electrophoresis to identify the presence or absence of amplified GMO sequences.
Features and Benefits
The kit allows a guided-inquiry approach. Students conduct sophisticated scientific procedures employing multiple levels of controls that allow them to assess the validity of their results. Students are able to:
Students determine the presence or absence of GMO sequences in their food samples and answer the following questions:
Regardless of where your students stand on the GM debate, won't they be interested to know how much of the corn– or soy–based foods they eat has been genetically modified?
More Information
166-2500EDU Gel electrophoresis classroom study kit, includes positive control, InstaGene matrix, master mix, primers, dye, test tubes/holders, curriculum, and more, for 32 students; education use only
166-2550EDU Classroom study kit includes GMO Investigator kit (#166-2500) and reagents sufficient to pour, run, and stain forty-eight 1% or sixteen 3% 7 x 10 cm agarose gels; education use only
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