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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. Class results show how well PTC tasting conforms to classical Mendelian inheritance. 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 and uses CarolinaBLU® DNA stain.

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

The PTC Taster: Using SNP to Predict Bitter Tasting Ability Kit explores the molecular basis of an inherited ability by connecting students' own ability to taste the bitter chemical phenylthiocarbamide (PTC) to molecular genetics. Each student scores their own genotype, predicts their tasting ability, then tastes PTC paper. Class results show how well PTC tasting conforms to classical Mendelian inheritance. Students 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 to demonstrate if they do or do not have the TAS2R38 gene for tasting PTC.

Product Features

• Students perform a taste test, DNA extraction, amplification, and electrophoresis
• Materials are sufficient for 25 student PCR reactions
• Includes safe-to-use CarolinaBLU® DNA stain
• Includes the perishable materials
• Included paper model activity simulates cycles of polymerase chain reactions
• A complete visual lab procedure complements the written protocol
• Resource section connects the kit activities to authentic lab techniques, real-world careers, historical perspectives, and more
• Kit content and the skills used by students during the investigations support obtainment of BCSI Biotechnology micro credentials
• Provides an NGSS phenomena activity and aligns to science and engineering practices and crosscutting concepts

Note: Kit includes the perishable materials when shipped.

Time Requirement
Three to four 60- to 90-minute class periods.

Digital Resources
Includes 1-year access to digital resources that support instruction. Digital resources may include a teacher manual and student guide, pre-lab activities and setup videos, simulations, and post-lab analysis and assessments.

Learning Objectives
Students will understand:

• The relationship between genotype and phenotype
• The use of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in predicting drug response (pharmacogenetics)
• A number of SNPs are inherited together as a haplotype
• The movement between in vitro experimentation and in silico computation

Methods for Biological Research Used in the Kit

• DNA extraction and purification
• Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
• DNA restriction
• Gel electrophoresis
• Bioinformatics

Connection to the Next Generation Science Standards*
Science and Engineering Practices

• Engaging in Argument from Evidence

Crosscutting Concepts

• Patterns
• Systems and System Models

*Next Generation Science Standards® is a registered trademark of WestEd. Neither WestEd nor the lead states and partners that developed the Next Generation Science Standards were involved in the production of this product, and do not endorse it.