Overview

DNA gels

Run your DNA gels in 10 minutes!

Find Out How

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

Specifications

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

Ordering

items

Use the filters below to refine results!

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(Discontinued) GMO Investigator Kit
1662500EDU
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
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1662550EDU

Classroom PCR activity bundle, includes GMO Investigator Kit (1662500EDU) and Small Fast Blast DNA Electrophoresis Reagent Pack (1660450EDU); education use only

Refills

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1662501EDU

Consumables refill kit for use with GMO Investigator Kit (1662500EDU), contains PCR master mix, primers, positive control, PCR molecular weight ruler, Orange G loading dye; education use only

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1660450EDU
Agarose gel preparation kit,makes 16–48 mini gels, includes agarose powder, Fast Blast DNA Stain, buffer; education use only
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1660742EDU

100 ml, TAE nucleic acid electrophoresis buffer solution, pH 8.0; education use only

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(Discontinued) Master Mix For PCR
1665009EDU
90 units, 1.2 ml includes 0.075 units per µl Taq DNA polymerase, reaction buffer, 4 mM MgCl2, 0.4 mM of each dNTP (dATP, dCTP, dGTP, dTTP); education use only

Documents

Number Description Options
5396
Fast Gel Protocol — Easily Run Your DNA Gels in Under 10 Minutes — Bio-Rad Explorer, Ver D
5290
GMO Investigator Kit, Biotechnology Explorer, Quick Guide
10002155
Instruction Manual, GMO Investigator Kit, Biotechnology Explorer, Rev C
5891
Refresh Kit Components — Large Class/Multiple Class Preparation Guide
6602
UView™ 6x Loading Dye and Stain Guide, Bio-Rad Explorer™
7151
Science, Food, and Environment AP Strand Poster, Ver A