Lab 27 Identifying GM Crops

Two methods currently used to identify GM genomes

    1. Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)

    2. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) 

             -things needed for PCR: template DNA, nucleotides (ATCG), DNA Primer, DNA polymerase

Common regulatory sequences used to control GM Genes which include: 

   1. Promoter=35S promotor from cauliflower mosaic virus 

   2. Terminator= Nopaline synthase (NOS) terminator from Agrobacterium tumefaciens

ie. Promotor---gene –terminator 

- PCR checks that we have plant DNA by detecting PSII chloroplast gene

-then checks for GM by seeing if DNA has 35S promotor and NOS terminator 

-if yes (ie. Band) to both then food is GMO

-if no plant, then no conclusions can be made-must repeat test

-if no GMO DNA then not its not genetically modified 

We used PCR to detect 35 promoter, NOS terminator, and PSII chloroplast gene

 Then we used Electrophoresis to visualize DNA fragments 

 Machine Used to Run Current Through Gel   

Gel of GM Food Negative