LAB

To isolate the TAS2R38 gene, we collected cheek cells by rinsing with saline and centrifuging the solution to form a cell pellet. We then lysed the cells with heat and Chelex to release the DNA by rupturing the cell and nuclear membranes. Once the cells were lysed, we used PCR (polymerase chain reaction) to amplify the target TAS2R38 gene. PCR exponentially increases the quantity of a specific DNA region, producing enough DNA to be visible in later analysis. We then applied restriction enzymes that affect only specific SNPs of TAS2R38. If the concerned SNPs are present, the many copies of TAS2R38 will then be cut into pieces depending on the individual's TAS2R38 nucleotide composition. Lastly, Gel Electrophoresis is used to visualize the resulting TAS2R38 segments after enzyme application. A homozygous non-taster will result in one large DNA cluster, a homozygous taster will result in two distinct DNA clusters, while a heterozygous taster will result in 3 separate clusters of DNAs.