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What are the newest techniques in the creation of new hybrid plants? For decades we have relied upon artificial selection, plant breeding, and genetic manipulation using genes from other organisms to impart beneficial traits. The latter has been the center of many controversy’s and misunderstandings around Genetically Modified Organisms. But what if we could improve crops by only utilizing the naturally occurring genes inside the crops already? Gene editing is a relatively new technology that allows just that, the direct editing of the genome already in the crops themselves. The ability to change the DNA in an organism has enabled corn geneticists to turn undesirable traits off without adding genes. A perfect example of this improvement would be a type of corn called Waxy Corn which has a higher percentage amylopectin than other varieties. This amylopectin is then milled into “corn starch” and utilized extensively in the food industry. This form of Waxy corn was originally developed through selective breeding, crossing varieties with a gene mutation to turn off the production of a particular protein consequently causing the corn to produce MORE amylopectin per corn kernel. Due to the nature of selective breeding this trait has been limited to the varieties with direct lineage to the originally mutated strains. However, through using the CRISPR-Cas9 system geneticists can turn off that same gene in other high yielding corn varieties to produce new sources of Waxy Corn. This allows us to combine multiple positive traits in one variety, maximizing yield AND increasing amylopectin at the same time. Using the “Chopped” MiniPCR lab, students will use this system to cut DNA using the enzyme and two different guide RNA molecules and the CRISPR nuclease. A gel electrophoresis is used to determine the size of the fragments produced.
Science
For each student group Prelab
Lab
Keep lab area clean and free of unnecessary equipment. Students should wear protective eyewear and gloves throughout the lab.
CRISPR-Cas systems are naturally found in bacteria and other prokaryotes as a form of protection. These systems defend these simple organisms from bacteriophage, viruses that attack bacteria, by identifying sequences of viral DNA and cutting these strands before the bacteria can utilize this viral DNA to create protein which effectively prevents the virus from reproducing. This action is very similar to restriction enzymes that perform a similar function. Restriction Enzymes cut any DNA that matches their short individual sequences. We often utilize these naturally occurring restriction enzymes to cut DNA sequences at targeted locations in the lab but we have been limited by the sequences found in nature. CRISPR-Cas systems are different in a very important way. They use guide RNA to find specific viral DNA sequences. Honing in like a sniper on a target. This allows the same nuclease enzyme to target different sequences and adapt more quickly to changes in the virus. In 2012 scientists programmed CRISPR RNA to target DNA sequences they wanted to change. This approach enables scientists to cut genes that they want to disable or even cut a specific gene out while pasting in a different gene to replace it. Effectively turning on, turning off, or replacing genes at the discretion of the desired traits. This ability to edit genes has many potential applications in treating diseases such as sickle cell disease, cystic fibrosis, and types of cancer. This technology also shows promise in the development of crops. Waxy Corn has a different starch composition that is desirable for certain cooking and industrial applications. This difference is due to mutations disabling a gene called Waxy1. These Waxy1 alleles have arisen naturally as well as being induced using chemicals and radiation. Using CRISPR scientists precisely deleted the waxy1 gene in high yielding corn lines. This process produced waxy hybrids much more quickly than conventional methods and the yields were dramatically higher. This gene editing tool has enormous potential in the medical field as well as the agricultural and industrial setting and has the potential to confer a public perception benefit. Currently, food products containing gene edited crops do not require genetically modified labeling eliminating some controversy surrounding such varieties.
More information located on page 12-15 of “Chopped” MiniPCR Teacher’s Guide.
Available for download at https://www.minipcr.com/products/minipcr-learning-labs/crispr/
In the prelab activity, located on pages 17-20, the DNA sequence that will be edited is written out in A, G, T, and C format in a google document. Students will look for the target sequence for each of the guide RNA strands and determine the location where the Cas-9 enzyme will cut the strand. The length of the fragments produced can then be predicted and compared with the fragment lengths found in the gel during the lab analysis. There are two options for this activity depending on preference and technology available. Yeast and anaerobic respiration
Follow lab guide 21-26 miniPCR Chopped
Page 44-54 of Instructors Guide includes sections on differentiation, trouble shooting, expected results, etc. this will assist you as you conduct the lab.
Did the fragments on the gel match the prediction?
Pages 34-36 miniPCR Chopped Students Guide
To learn more about agriculture careers, visit https://agexplorer.ffa.org/.
Any educator electing to perform demonstrations is expected to follow NSTA Minimum Safety Practices and Regulations for Demonstrations, Experiments, and Workshops, which are available at https://static.nsta.org/pdfs/MinimumSafetyPracticesAndRegulations.pdf, as well as all school policies and rules and all state and federal laws, regulations, codes and professional standards. Educators are responsible for abiding appropriate legal standards and better professional practices under a duty of care to make laboratories and demonstrations in and out of the classroom as safe as possible. If in doubt, do not perform the demonstrations.
This lesson is the work product of the Kansas Corn Commission. Our lessons are written in collaboration with Kansas teachers for use in the classroom. Teachers may copy and share this curriculum. Use of this product for commercial or promotional use is prohibited without express permission of Kansas Corn.
As the need to produce more food with less resources grows, it is important that future generations have a better understanding of agriculture and how corn farming and agriculture fit into our daily lives. That’s why the Kansas Corn STEM program provides lessons to teach science through the lens of corn. We are committed to providing free materials and training to support educators.
