Testing my genes for bitterness taste receptors (Lab @ Home Vlog)

Summary

In this DIY molecular biology experiment, the creator tests their DNA for the bitterness taste receptor gene (TAS2R38) at home. The gene determines whether someone can taste bitter compounds like those in raw broccoli or brussels sprouts. Using a saliva sample, DNA extraction, PCR, and gel electrophoresis, the creator identifies as heterozygous (CT), confirming their ability to taste bitterness. The video provides a step-by-step guide on the lab process and how viewers can replicate the experiment using primers from the Bento Lab shop, offering an engaging look at genetics and personal traits.

Takeaways

• 😀 The vlog focuses on a home molecular biology experiment using a kitchen lab setup.
• 😀 Last week’s experiment involved testing for the athlete gene, with successful DNA extractions from saliva samples.
• 😀 This week's experiment involves testing for the bitterness-tasting gene TAS2R38, which determines the ability to taste bitter compounds.
• 😀 The TAS2R38 gene encodes a receptor that detects bitter chemicals like phenyl thiocarbamide (PTC), found in foods like raw broccoli and Brussels sprouts.
• 😀 There are three genotypes for the TAS2R38 gene: homozygous C (can taste bitterness), homozygous T (cannot taste bitterness), and heterozygous CT (can taste bitterness).
• 😀 The vlogger bets that they can taste bitterness based on their dislike of raw broccoli and Brussels sprouts, predicting their genotype as either homozygous C or heterozygous CT.
• 😀 The DNA extraction process involves rinsing with salt water, centrifuging the solution to collect cheek cells, and heating the solution to break down the cells and release DNA.
• 😀 The extracted DNA is mixed with a master mix containing primers and run through a PCR machine to amplify the gene of interest.
• 😀 A gel electrophoresis step is used to separate DNA fragments and analyze the results by comparing them with a reference gel image on the Bento Lab website.
• 😀 The vlogger’s results show a band at 151 base pairs, indicating the presence of the C allele for bitterness tasting, and a band at 270 base pairs for the T allele.
• 😀 The vlogger confirms their heterozygous CT genotype, explaining their sensitivity to bitter foods like raw broccoli and Brussels sprouts.
• 😀 The experiment demonstrates the effectiveness of Bento Lab’s primers and equipment, and the vlogger encourages viewers to try the experiment themselves using products from the Bento Lab shop.

Q & A

What gene is being tested in this video and what does it do?

The bitterness tasting gene being tested is TAS2R38, which encodes a taste receptor that helps detect bitter compounds like phenylthiocarbamide (PTC), found in foods such as raw broccoli and Brussels sprouts.

What is the significance of the C allele in the TAS2R38 gene?

The C allele is dominant, meaning that if a person has at least one copy of the C allele, they will have the bitterness taste receptor and be able to taste bitter compounds.

What is the role of the T allele in the TAS2R38 gene?

The T allele is recessive. If a person has two copies of the T allele, they will not have the bitterness taste receptor and will not be able to taste bitterness.

What does it mean if a person is heterozygous CT for the TAS2R38 gene?

Being heterozygous CT means a person has one copy of the C allele and one copy of the T allele. They will have the receptor and be able to taste bitterness.

What process is used to extract DNA from saliva in this experiment?

DNA is extracted by swishing salt water around in the mouth, spitting it out, then spinning it in a centrifuge to collect cheek cells. After breaking down the cells with heat, the DNA is left in the solution for further analysis.

How does the PCR process contribute to the experiment?

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) amplifies specific DNA segments. In this experiment, PCR is used to amplify the region of the TAS2R38 gene to detect whether the individual has the C or T allele.

What is the role of the gel electrophoresis step in this experiment?

Gel electrophoresis is used to separate DNA fragments by size. By running the amplified DNA through a gel, the bands produced help identify the presence of the C and T alleles based on their size.

What does the diagram in the video show regarding gel interpretation?

The diagram provides a guide to interpreting the gel results. It shows where to expect DNA bands for the C and T alleles at specific base pair sizes, helping to determine whether someone can taste bitterness.

What did the creator of the video predict about their genotype before running the test?

The creator predicted they would be heterozygous CT, as they dislike raw broccoli and Brussels sprouts, foods known to be bitter, suggesting they have the bitterness taste receptor.

What was the outcome of the DNA test for the creator in the video?

The test confirmed that the creator is heterozygous CT, meaning they have the bitterness tasting receptor and can taste bitterness, which aligns with their dislike of bitter foods like raw broccoli and Brussels sprouts.