Using Bacteria to Clean Clothes? Genetic Engineering in Action - Laboratory Kits
By: The Flinn Staff
With the Using Bacteria to Clean Clothes? Genetic Engineering in Action Biochemistry laboratory kits, investigate whether detergents that list GMO-derived enzymes as ingredients will “clean clothes” better than alternatives.
Creating organisms that have never existed on Earth is not just science fiction! Today, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are used in many ways to benefit mankind, from making insulin to improving detergents. In this easy-to-use kit, students investigate whether detergents that list GMO-derived enzymes as ingredients will “clean clothes” better than detergents that might not contain enzymes. The detergents are tested by comparing their effectiveness at digesting proteins (gelatin). In addition, many suggestions are included for turning this lab into a cooperative class project by assigning different variables to each group for testing.
Balances with 0.1-g precision, hot plate(s) and pH paper or handheld pH meters are required and available separately.
Correlation to Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
Science & Engineering Practices
Asking questions and defining problems Planning and carrying out investigations Analyzing and interpreting data Constructing explanations and designing solutions Engaging in argument from evidence
Disciplinary Core Ideas
MS-ETS1.C: Optimizing the Design Solution MS-ETS1.A: Defining and Delimiting Engineering Problems HS-ETS1.A: Defining and Delimiting Engineering Problems
Crosscutting Concepts
Cause and effect Systems and system models
Performance Expectations
MS-LS1-2: Develop and use a model to describe the function of a cell as a whole and ways parts of cells contribute to the function.
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