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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. Kit equips 25 students. Comes with perishable materials.

Product Details
Advanced - For experienced high school and college classes; requires some basic technical skill.

This PTC Taster: Extraction, Amplification, and Electrophoresis Kit with Ethidium Bromide and 0.2-mL Tubes (with perishables) 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 will:

• Determine their ability to taste PTC using taste paper
• Use safe saline mouthwash and Chelex® extraction to obtain a sample of their own DNA
• Amplify a 221-nucleotide region of the PTC taste receptor gene
• Perform restriction digestion to differentiate the 2 alleles by gel electrophoresis
• Determine how well the SNP genotypes actually correlate to tasting

Kit provides materials for 25 PCR reactions and restriction digests, and it includes the perishable materials when shipped.

   This item is sold and shipped to colleges and universities only. Not available to individuals or residential addresses. For substitution suggestions, please call us at 800.334.5551 (8am to 6:30pm, ET, Monday-Friday).

Product Features

• Uses ethidium bromide DNA stain
• PuReTaq™ Ready-to-Go™ PCR Beads
• Electrophoresis reagents
• Kit equips 25 students