Bay Area Biotechnology Education Consortium

This advanced workshop is designed to familiarize teachers with genetic modification of organisms (GMO) and provide a classroom lab activity illustrating the prevalence of GMOs in our food supply.

During the workshop, participants will learn the basics of plant genetic engineering. They will have the opportunity to extract DNA from a variety of plant sources, including packaged foods such as corn chips. We will then utilize the Nobel Prize-winning technique, PCR, to detect genetically engineered elements in these foods and separate the resulting PCR products using agarose gel electrophoresis. Participants will also have the opportunity to do guided online research about GMOs and discuss the pros and cons of this new technology.