GMO:OMG

Background
GMOs are genetically modified organisms. They are used to make organisms resistant to something. For example, genetic modification can make plants resistant to cold weather or resistant to certain bacteria. GMOs are made by looking at a GOI (gene of interest) and a Ti Plasmid. A Ti Plasmid is tumor inducing. The gene of interest is put into Agrobacteria, and then the agrobacteria is put into a plant cell.
The plant cell is then put into the plant, creating a GM plant. Through PCR (DNA polymerase chain reaction), DNA is copied. The primer allows specific genes to be targeted, specifically the Ti plasmid. 85% of all GM foods have a Ti Plasmid. Also, nucleotides and DNA are necessary for PCR to take place. The GM controversy is over the fact that humans do not really know what the effect of altered organisms will have. GM foods are not labeled in stores, so buyers are unaware of when they are purchasing GM foods. There could be potential health problems in the future from GM products.

Purpose
In this lab we are going to extract genomic DNA from food samples. On the second day we are going to run PCR reactions to amplify GMO and natural plant sequences from DNA. On the third day of the lab we will run the DNA through gel electrophoresis. We will be able to see which foods contain GMOs, and if the food that we eat on a daily basis is genetically modified. In the real world, people will be able to test foods for GMOs



Procedure

On the first day we will start DNA extraction. Using a mortar and pestle, we will break open the cell wall. Then, the cell and nuclear membrane will break up once it is put in a 99 degree Celsius water bath. However, we will encounter a problem! If we break open the membrane, DNAse will encounter DNA. DNAse is an enzyme that kills DNA, so in order to avoid this deathly encounter between the DNA and enzyme, we will put in Instagene matrix beads. These beads kill enzymes. On day two of the lab, we will start PCR. There are two primers necessary for PCR, Plant DNA and GM DNA. Plant DNA is the control because it is in every plant. PCR produces a large amount of DNA from a starting material. The steps of PCR are: Place the tube into a MyCyler thermal cycler to go through temperature cycling, heat the sample to 94 degrees Celsius for the denaturation step. The next step is the Annealing step, and the thermal cycler cools to 59 degrees Celsius. The last step is the extension step, and the thermal cy cler heats up to 72 degrees Celsius. The temperature cycle= denaturation step+annealing step+extension step. On Day three of the lab, we are going to run the DNA fragments through gel electrophoresis on agarose gel.

 Hypothesis
My hypothesis is that our strawberries will be proven to be genetically modified. However, I have heard that it is very important to buy organic strawberries because their thin skin can absorb pesticides easily.