As seen on TikTok!
- ARE YOU A SUPERTASTER? || “Supertasters” are people who have the ability to taste the substance Phenylthiourea (PTC). PTC only has a taste to 7 out of 10 people and different genes determine if you can taste sodium benzoate. If it tastes salty, bitter, or sweet to you, then you have the dominant gene (S-). If you don't taste anything, you are recessive (ss). Thiourea may have taste if you can taste PTC
- INCLUDES || This kit contains all of the materials necessary to determine if a person is a supertaster in a scientifically sound way – utilizing a control paper to minimize sampling bias and error. Includes Control Paper (no chemical), PTC Test Paper, Thiourea Test Paper and Sodium Benzoate Test Paper. Each is packaged in a reclosable vial and includes 100 paper strips (4 x 100 strips)
- CLASSROOM PACK || Perfect for classroom demonstration of genetics and heredity, or for a fun experiment you can try at home!
- BIODEGRADABLE BOX || The Supertaster kit is conveniently packaged in a biodegradable box for easy storage
- INSTRUCTIONS || Kit includes a link for basic instructions, as well as a full and simplified version lab activity for classrooms or small groups
Are you a "Supertaster?!"
Materials Included:
- Biodegradable Box
- 100 Strips containing Phenylthiourea (PTC)
- 100 Strips containing Sodium Benzoate
- 100 Strips containing Thiourea
- 100 Strips containing NO chemical (Control)
Key Vocabulary:
Genotype: the specific genes found in DNA.
Phenotype: the physical expression of genes (examples: eye color; tasting ability).
Heredity: the passing of genetic information from parent to offspring.
Punnett Square: a method for determining the qualitative chances of offspring inheriting certain genes from their parents.
Just as humans have different levels of acuity in the senses of smell and sight, they also have differences in their ability to taste. Approximately 25% of Americans are considered "supertasters" and, of this subset, people have varying levels of "super tasting" ability. "Supertasters" are people who have the ability to taste the substance Phenylthiourea (PTC). Some people cannot taste this substance at all and others taste it quite distinctly. Whether or not a person is a supertaster (phenotype) is dependent on his/her genetics (genotype). For the purposes of this experiment, the dominant super tasting gene will be represented as "S" and the recessive super tasting gene will be represented as "s." Based on the genetics involved, there are four basic types of tasters à normal tasters (no S or s), standard supertasters (__ s), recessive supertasters (ss), and dominant supertasters (S__).
Be sure to read our full blog post: Supertaster Kit - hBARSCI “Supertaster” Lab.
