Null Results Repository

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Keywords

Genetics PTC PCR

Abstract

The TAS2R38 gene has been previously associated with ability to taste PTC, a bitter chemical. Different people have different alleles of the gene, and so differ in their ability to taste PTC. We hypothesized that individuals with the PAV haplotype, as determined by gene sequencing, would be able to taste bitter PTC, and those with the AVI haplotype would not. We conducted a PCR genetic analysis and a taste-test for each of 100 undergraduate students. We then tested whether there is a significant difference in tasting ability between the two genetic groups. However, our results did not support the hypothesis, as there did not appear to be a correlation between allele and tasting ability.

Methods

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of genetic information obtained from n = 100 students via a cheek swab was used in conjunction with a self-reported taste test of PTC by each of those same students.

Expected Outcome

Individuals with the PAV haplotype of gene TAS2R38 would be able to taste bitter PTC and individuals with the AVI haplotype would not

Observed Outcome

We conducted an A/B permutation test to determine whether there was a significant difference between the two genetic groups' ability to taste PTC. We found no significant difference between the groups, and therefore failed to reject the null hypothesis.