DNALC LIVE

Detecting Genetically Modified Foods by PCR, Part I

Date: 6/4/2020
Time: 12:00 PM
Duration: 71 minutes
Presenter(s): Jeff Petracca, DNA Learning Center & Long Island Aquarium
Audience: Grade 10+
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Activity description:

Most Americans might be surprised to know that over 90% of the corn and soy crops grown in the Unites States are genetically modified. The production of GMOs, or Genetically Modified Organisms is a well-debated topic, especially when it comes to our food! Join DNALC instructor Jeff to discover common genetic modifications of crop foods, and learn a protocol to isolate DNA from common foods - even highly processed products like corn chips - to test for the presence of foreign genes.

In this DNALC Live session, you will:

• Explore methods for producing transgenic (GM) crops
• Observe how a single transgene can be identified within a plant’s genome
• Review common techniques such as DNA isolation and PCR