GMO Investigator™ Kit

print
GMO Investigator Kit

Overview

Purchasing Guide Table
Purchasing Guide Table

Reduce. Reuse. Refresh.

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.


 To read more click here.		  
Lab Preparation Checklist Lab Preparation Checklist
Lab Preparation Checklist
Kit contains sufficient materials for 8 student workstations (2–4 students per workstation)
Bio-Rad certified non-GMO food control 1
InstaGene matrix, 20 ml 1
GMO positive control DNA, 500 µl 1
PCR master mix (Taq DNA polymerase, dNTPs, buffers), 1.2 ml 1
GMO primers (red), 15 µl 1
Plant PSII primers (green), 15 µl 1
PCR molecular weight ruler, 200 µl 1
Orange G loading dye, 1 ml 1
Disposable plastic transfer pipets 20
Micro test tubes, 1.5 ml 60
Screwcap tubes, 1.5 ml 50
PCR tubes, 0.2 ml 50
Capless PCR tube adaptors, 1.5 ml 50
Foam micro test tube holders 8
Curriculum, including Teacher's Guide, Student Manual, and graphic Quick Guide 1
Required Accessories Not Included in Kit:
Obtain food samples locally
  
Horizontal gel electrophoresis chambers
 4–8
Adjustable micropipets  
   2–20 µl
 1–8
   20–200 µl
 1
Pipet tips, aerosol barrier  
   2–20 µl, Xcluda B 1 box
   20–200 µl, Xcluda D 1 box
Water bath 1
Microcentrifuges 1–4
Thermal cycler 1
Power supplies 2–4
Mortars and pestles 1–8
Balance with range 0.5–2 g 1
Weigh boats or paper 16
Recommended (Optional) Accessories:
Rocking platform  
Microwave oven  
GMO Investigator Flowchart GMO Investigator Flowchart
GMO Investigator Flowchart
GMO Investigator Flowchart
Key Kit Features Key Kit Features
Key Kit Features
  • Extract and amplify DNA from 8 food samples
  • Perform genuine diagnostic procedures
  • Use PCR and electrophoresis
  • Complete in three 45 minute lab sessions
Curriculum Fit Curriculum Fit
Curriculum Fit
Curriculum Fit
Conventional PCR Animation Conventional PCR Animation
Conventional PCR Animation

Content on this page requires a newer version of Adobe Flash Player.

Get Adobe Flash player
GM Debate GM Debate
GM Debate
GM Debate

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?

Large Class Preparation Guide
Large Class Preparation Guide

Learn tips and techniques for preparing agar plates and agarose gels in large quantities.


To read more click here
Complete Purchasing Guide
Complete Purchasing Guide

Download the complete Biotechnology Explorer™ Refresh Kit Components Purchasing Guide.


To read more click here.


Use the interactive table to calculate how many kits and refresh kit components to order.

 Bulletin 5872
PowerPoint Presentation for Educational Use PowerPoint Presentation for Educational Use
PowerPoint Presentation for Workshops and for Teaching

GMO Investigator Kit

This PowerPoint presentation is intended for educational use only. The presentation provides educators with background on the GMO Investigator Kit and includes instructions for using the kit.

GMO Investigator Kit Download PowerPoint presentation		 GMO Investigator Kit

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:

  • Extract and amplify DNA from eight food samples
  • Perform genuine diagnostic procedures
  • Use PCR and electrophoresis

Students determine the presence or absence of GMO sequences in their food samples and answer the following questions:

  • Did we successfully extract DNA?
  • Did our PCR work as expected?
  • Do we have GM content?

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

  • Three-session laboratory activity, 45 min per session
  • Provides sufficient materials for eight student workstations, up to four students per workstation
Kit contains sufficient materials for 8 student workstations (2–4 students per workstation)  
Bio-Rad certified non-GMO food control 1
InstaGene™ Matrix, 20 ml 1
GMO positive control DNA, 500 µl 1
PCR master mix (Taq DNA polymerase, dNTPs, buffers), 1.2 ml 1
GMO primers (red), 15 µl 1
Plant PSll primers (green), 15 µl 1
PCR molecular weight ruler, 200 µl 1
Orange G loading dye, 1 ml 1
Disposable plastic transfer pipets 20
Micro test tubes, 1.5 ml 60
Screwcap tubes, 1.5 ml 50
PCR tubes, 0.2 ml 50
Capless PCR tube adaptors, 1.5 ml 50
Foam micro test holders 8
Curriculum, including Teacher's Guide, Student Manual, and graphic Quick Guide 1
GMO Investigator Kit

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

List Price:   $223.75
Your Price:   Log in
Quantity:   Add to Cart
Add to Hot List   Add to Quote
GMO Investigator Kit Plus Small DNA Electrophoresis Reagent Pack

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

List Price:   $280.00
Your Price:   Log in
Quantity:   Add to Cart
Add to Hot List   Add to Quote
Number Description Options
5396 Fast Gel Protocol. Run Agarose DNA Gels in Under 20 Minutes, Biotechnology Explorer, Rev A Click to download
5290 GMO Investigator Kit, Biotechnology Explorer, Quick Guide Click to download
10002155 Instruction Manual, GMO Investigator Kit, Biotechnology Explorer, Rev C Please login to download this document [ Add to Cart ]
5891 Refresh Kit Components — Large Class/Multiple Class Preparation Guide, Rev A Click to download
5872 Biotechnology Explorer Refresh Kit Components Purchasing Guide, Rev A Click to download