PCR: A Question of Taste
- Location: Lifelab
- Duration: 5 hours
- Availability: On demand
- Age Ranges(s): 16+
- Minimum Number: 12
- Maximum Number: 24
Our new PCR workshop, in which we explore the links between students' phenotypic ability to taste PTC and their TAS2R38 (bitter taste receptor) genotype. We also examine the ability of chimpanzees to taste PTC which is an interesting example of convergent evolution. The workshop includes DNA isolation from cheek cells, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), restriction enzyme digests, gel electrophoresis and a discussion activity about evolution and natural selection and as such is relevant to all courses with DNA technology or evolution content.