Background to survey
Some people can taste the chemical PTC (phenylthiocarbamide) and others cannot. To those who can taste it, PTC tastes bitter. The ability to taste PTC depends largely on a gene called TAS2R38. This gene encodes a taste receptor on the tongue . Brassica vegetables such as broccoli and brussel sprouts contain chemicals called isothiocyanates which act as a ligand for the TAS2R38 receptor, so there may be a correlation between whether people can taste PTC and whether they like brussel sprouts or not.
Take part!
To take part in this survey you will need to use the PTC taste test strips provided in The X-Bacteria kit and the instructions provided both within the kit and in our resource bank. Once you have carried out the short experiment out with your class, you can fill in the answers to the questions below.
These results will be added to a database so that you can compare results from across the country. Please be as accurate as possible when adding your data.
In addition to this survey, schools can also attend A Question of Taste workshops where students use molecular biology techniques to explore the PTC story.
