BMA ASSIGNMENT 1 Abstract This study delves into the genetic basis of phenylthiocarbamide (PTC) tasting, aiming to understand why some individuals perceive PTC as intensely bitter (tasters) while others cannot detect its bitterness (non-tasters). Taste perception is mediated by specialized receptors, with bitter taste being primarily attributed to TAS2R38 gene variations. This study focuses on the C785T mutation within the TAS2R38 gene and its influence on phenylthiocarbamide (PTC) taste perception. The objective was to determine if there was a significant difference in the allele frequencies (taster and non-taster) of the C785T SNP between Batch 9 students(Sri Lanka) and South Asians and African Americans. The methodology involved DNA extraction, PCR amplification, Fnu4HI restriction enzyme digestion, and agarose gel electrophoresis. This allowed for the assessment of TAS2R38 genotypes among 18 individual in batch 9. Gel image from the electrophoresis process was obtained of the batch 9 individuals. These results were acquired inorder to assess the genotype frequencies and allele frequencies for PTC taste perception in individuals of batch 9. Blast tool was used to obtain the DNA sequence of the gene and NCBI tool was used to obtain data on the gene. Genotype frequencies and allele frequencies of the batch 9 individuals was calculated aided by the gel image.genotype frequencies revealed that 67% was tasters whereas 33% of individuals were non-tasters. Moreover allele frequencies showed 55% unmutated whereas 44% mutated allele. These data confirms that batch 9 has more tasters for PTC compared to non-tasters.Batch 9 Allele frequencies were compared with south asians and african amermeicans. Chi-square test was carried out using minitab to obtain the correlation between batch 9 individuals compared to south Asians and African American populations. The P-value obtained was 0.000 which denotes to the fact that there is a significant difference between the alleles of batch 9 individuals(sri lanka) compared to south asians and african americans. 2 Introduction The intension of the study is to find why some people taste and why some people do not taste PTC(bitter). Taste perception is mediated by specialized taste receptors located on the oral cavity (Behrens & Meyerhof, 2006). It is assumed that the sense of taste can distinguish five primary sensory qualities (sweet, sour, salty, bitter and umami).When water-soluble molecules in the mouth come into touch with the taste buds' epithelial cells, taste perception occurs. separate processes, mediate the perception of the diverse flavors. G-protein-coupled heterodimer receptors (GPCRs) mediate the transmission of umami and sweetness:taste receptor type 1 member 2 (T1R2) + T1R3 sweet and T1R1 + T1R3 umami. The GPCR T2R family reacts to a variety of bitter taste compounds. (Melis, M., & Tomassini Barbarossa, I. 2017). One of the well-studied taste qualities is bitterness, which serves as a protective mechanism against the ingestion of potentially harmful substances. The perception of bitterness is primarily attributed to the activation of bitter taste receptors known as TAS2Rs (Taste 2 Receptors) (Meyerhof, et al., 2010). Fig 01- Taste receptors of sweet, sour, salty, bitter and umami (Martin, L.T.P., Dupré, D.J.,2016) 3 TAS2Rs are G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that are expressed in taste receptor cells. These receptors play a pivotal role in detecting a wide range of bitter compounds found in various foods and drinks. Among these TAS2Rs, TAS2R38 is one of the most well-known, and it is responsible for the perception of the bitter compound phenylthiocarbamide (PTC) and its chemical analog 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP). PTC taste perception is genetically determined, with some individuals being "tasters" who perceive PTC as intensely bitter and others being "non-tasters" who cannot detect its bitterness (Wooding., 2006). Bitter taste perception, particularly the ability to detect phenylthiocarbamide (PTC), is strongly influenced by genetic variations in the TAS2R38 gene. TAS2R38 encodes a G protein-coupled receptor responsible for recognizing bitter compounds (Kim, et al., 2003).TAS2R38 has several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), with the most notable ones being PAV (proline-alanine-valine) and AVI (alanine-valine-isoleucine) haplotypes. (Hayes, et al., 2011). hree key single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within this gene significantly impact one's sensitivity to PTC (Kim, et al., 2003): 145C→G (P49A): cytosine (C) with guanine (G) at position 145, directing to an amino acid change from proline (P) to alanine (A) at position 49 (P49A) in the TAS2R38 protein. 785C→T (A262V): At position 785, the cytosine (C) is replaced by thymine (T), resulting in an amino acid substitution from alanine (A) to valine (V) at position 262 (A262V) in the TAS2R38 protein. 886G→A (V296I): The guanine (G) at position 886 is mutated to adenine (A), leading to a valine-to-isoleucine substitution at position 296 (V296I) in TAS2R38. All theses SNPs further impairs the receptor's ability to interact with PTC, contributing to reduced sensitivity in individuals.. 4 Table 1-several single nucleotide polymorphisms of TAS2R38 (SNPs)(https://www.minipcr.com/wpcontent/uploads/KT100403_miniPCR_PTC_ta ster_student_guide_V2.1_041322.pdf) The combination of these three SNPs defines the TAS2R38 haplotypes. Individuals with two copies of the PAV haplotype (P49A, A262V, V296I) are generally strong tasters of PTC, while those with two copies of the AVI haplotype (lacking these mutations) are non-tasters. Heterozygotes, carrying one copy of each haplotype, exhibit intermediate PTC sensitivity (Kim, et al., 2003). The practical investigates the SNP polymorphism at position 785C-T. In the case of the TAS2R38 gene, the original sequence in the Taster allele contains the Fnu4H1 is an endonuclease enzyme that identifies specific DNA sequences, referred to as restriction sites, and splits the DNA at these sites(Orrù, R et al., 2015).The elimination of the Fnu4H1 restriction site in the TAS2R38 gene is a consequence of a specific genetic mutation that replaces cytosine (C) with thymine (T) at position 785 (C785T) in the Non-Taster allele (Risso, et al., 2016). This mutation disrupts the recognition sequence for the Fnu4H1 restriction enzyme 5 Fig 2- Restriction enzyme cutting site (http://www.hcrowder.com/pcr.html) This mutation-induced loss of the Fnu4H1 restriction site serves as a genetic marker for distinguishing between Taster and Non-Taster alleles in the TAS2R38 gene and has been widely used in genetic studies to identify and classify individuals based on their bitter taste perception genotype (Risso, et al., 2016) As evaluated in the objective, the hypothesis that is elaborated in this study programme is as follows: Ho- – There is no significant difference between the allele frequencies (taster and non-taster) between the batch 9 allele frequency and south Asians and African Americans. Ha– There is a significant difference between the allele frequencies (taster and non-taster) between the batch 9 allele frequency and south Asians and African Americans. So therefore,if the P<0.05- Reject null hypothesis/accept alternative hypothesis (Ha) P> 0.05 – Do not reject null Hypothesis (H0) 6 Methods Materials Table 2: Materials Reagents 1. DNA Extraction Consumables Buccal cells Labeled tubes Proteinase K sterile wooden Chelex suspension sterile plastic loop Centrifuge machine Eppendorf tubes (1.5 ml) Nanodrop mechanism DNA for purity measurement 2. PCR (Polymerase PCR primer mix PCR tubes DNA template Thermal cycler Fnu4HI restriction PCR tubes (stored) enzyme 0.5 ml Eppendorf Chain Reaction) 3. Restriction Enzyme Digestion: master mixture tubes Heating block at 37°C 4. Agarose Electrophoresis: Gel Agarose gel (2%) TBE buffer Ethidium Bromide Geneflow tanks or Peqlab/Hybaid 7 (for gel staining) tanks DNA ladder (100 bp) UV transilluminator for gel visualization Methodology 1. DNA extraction Firstly, inorder obtain the sample cells, a sterile wooden was used to scrap the inside of the cheeks to remove loose buccal cells. The cheek cells in the wooden splint was scraped off using a sterile plastic loop. The loop was twirled in a 1.5ml eppendorf tube containing 350µl 5% Chelex suspension Precipitation of DNA is done as follows; i. 4 μl of Proteinase K was added to 1.5 ml eppendorf containing cheek cells & Chelex. ii. Sample was incubated 30 minutes under 56 °C iii. Tube was vortexed for 10 seconds. iv. Tube was placed in the centrifuge machine and balanced it. Tube is centrifuged at 13000 rpm for 20 seconds. v. Tube was then placed for 15 min under 98 Celsius. vi. Tube was then vortexed for 10 seconds and centrifuged for 3 minutes in the maximum speed. Vii. The supernatant (liquid above the chelex), containing buccal cell DNA (Template ), was transfered to a new 1.5 ml Eppendorf tube. Viii. An aliquot (5 µl) of the sample was placed in an eppendorf tube labelled with initials. This aliquot/tube was measured using the nanodrop nucleic acid measurement machine 2. PCR 8 i. 43 µl of master mix and 6.5 µl of DNA template(buccal cell DNA) were added to the tube. ii. Solution was mixed by flicking with a finger to dissolve and pulse spinned to gather the liquid content at the bottom. iii. Tube was located in the rack (with the lid tightened) for thermal cycling. iv. The PCR was initiated using 5 distint temperatures, at first heat gor 94˚C for 4 minutes.Secondly, at 55˚C, 72˚C , 94˚C for 40 seconds. These 3 temperatures for repeated for 40 cycles. Thirdly, at 55˚C for 5 minutes and finally for 72°C for 5 minutes. 3. Restriction enzyme(Fnu4HI) digestion i. aliquot (20 µl) from the PCR tube was added to a 0.5ml eppendorf tube already containing 10 µl of Fnu4HI restriction enzyme master mixture, which contained 30 µl. ii. Tube was mixed by fliking with fingers and centrifuged a while. Then it is kept in 37°C heating water bath. iii. Tube was left for 2hr, inorder for the Fnu4HI restriction enzyme digest. 4. Agarose gel electrophoresis i. Tube with undigested(remaining PCR reaction volume) DNA were taken carefully. ii. The Fnu4HI restriction enzyme digest was obtained iii. 2% submerged agarose gel were set;with 70 ml, Peqlab Geneflow tanks (PurpleLids, 12 well comb) / or with 50ml agarose, Hybaid tanks (10 well comb) were left to set iv. PCR tube containing 3 µl of DNA loading buffer was added to a tube containing 12 µl PCR/R Enzyme digest. And simultaneosly, 3 µl of DNA loading buffer (x5) was added to a tube containing 12 µl residual PCR. v. Both tubes (total 15 µl) were Mixed (finger) and pulse spinned and add 8 – 10 µl of this mixture to a 2% agarose gel submerged in TBE buffer noting the lanes you have loaded (UD & Digested). vi. 8-10 µl of 100 bp DNA Ladder was added to the remaining well as a DNA marker 9 vii. Electrophoresis was performed at 90 V for 45min until blue marker is halfway through gel viii. A Photograph was taken of the gel under UV transillumination. 10 RESULTS GEL IMAGE Fig 3- Class gel image My lane is noted as well 13, with 1 band , showing an homozygous mutant with a non taster for bitter. 11 BLAST - Result Fig 4- Full report of rs1726866 Fig 5-exon count(1) and position of gene (Location 7p34) 12 Fig 6 - Accession code(NC_000007.14) for the DNA sequence Fig 7-DNA sequence of the gene The putative taster receptor TAS2R38 gene full FASTA sequence for Homo sapiens is obtained after blasting the forward and backward primer sequence. The betaglucopyranoside-induced bitter taste is mediated by the TAS2R38 gene, a potential taster receptor for homo sapiens. This DNA sequence's accession number is NC_000007.14. 13 Fig 8- coding region highlighted of the mRNA sequence. Fig 9-stop codon start codon of mRNA, gene and CDS(coding sequence) 14 Fig 10-Complete report on the potential taster receptor gene TAS2R38 in humans on the coding pattern 15 Fig11- The whole conding sequence of the human candidate taste receptor gene TAS2R38 FASTA sequences mRNA sequence starting and ending positions Coding sequence starting and ending positions Fig 12-difference in the starting and ending sequence positions between the mRNA and coding sequence. 16 3 SNP mutations =CCA-GCA at 145pb =GCT- GTT at 785bp =GTC- ATC at 866bp Fig 13-SNP’s (single nucleotide polymorphisms) positions indicated in the gene, reported between tasters & non-tasters located on the coding sequence. Fig 14- indications of forward primer, backward primer, start codon and termination codon 17 Fig 15-Entire Report of coding sequence 18 GCA-AVI GTT-VAI AVI- Non taster ATC-ILE Fig 16-SNP mutations on the coding sequence simultaneously indicated the mutations result in the protein sequence Figure 17: mRNA sequence of the Homo sapiens’ candidate taster receptor TAS2R38 gene (Accesssion code -NM_176817.5) 19 Fig 18-Protein sequence for the taste receptor type 2 member 38 Fig 19-: protein alignments for the potential taste receptor in humans, TAS2R38 20 Fig 20- Displays the data about the Protein,333 amino acids and Fig 21- The TAS2R38 gene is found on chromosome 7 in humans. 21 Figure 22- shows the SNP variables for rs1726866.Reference SNP report 22 CALCULATIONS (CC) AA (100% taster) (Homozygous Wild) (CT) Aa (50% taster) (Heterozygous) (TT) aa (0% taster/non taster) (Homozygous mutant) Fig 23-Expansion of genotypes Table 3-Class Gel picture broad analysis of genotypes Lane Genotype A a Genotype(Type) 2 aa 0 2 Homozygous mutant 3 AA 2 0 Homozygous wild 4 AA 2 0 Homozygous wild 5 Aa 1 1 Heterozygous 6 aa 0 2 Homozygous mutant 7 AA 2 0 Homozygous wild 8 Aa 1 1 Heterozygous 9 Aa 1 1 Heterozygous 10 aa 0 2 Homozygous mutant 11 AA 2 0 Homozygous wild 13-My aa 0 2 intended lane 14 Homozygous mutant AA 2 0 Homozygous wild 23 15 Aa 1 1 Heterozygous 16 Aa 1 1 Heterozygous 17 aa 0 2 Homozygous mutant 18 AA 2 0 Homozygous wild 19 AA 2 0 Homozygous wild 20 Aa 1 1 Heterozygous Table 4- Genotype & Phenotype Genotype Genotype alleles Homozygous wild AA Phenotype Taster type Heterozyogous Aa Taster Homozygous aa Non-taster mutant GENOTYPE FREQUENCY AA genotype frequency = No. of AA individuals {n(AA)+n(Aa)+n(aa)} AA genotype frequency= 7 18 =0.3888 Ω 0.389 Aa genotype frequency=5 18 =0.2777Ω 0.278 Aa genotype frequency=6 18 =0.3333 Ω 0.333 24 ALLELE FREQUENCY Total number of alleles; A Alleles: {(nAA)×2 +(nAa)×1} {(7)×2+(6)×1} =20 a Alleles {(naa)×2 +(nAa)×1} {(5)×2+(6)×1} =16 Allele frequency = Total A alleles in the study group Total alleles (A+a)in the study group Allele Frequency of A=20 36 =0.5555 =0.5555×100 =55.55% Allele Frequency of a=16 36 =0.4444 =44.44% P-VALUE -CHI SQUARE CALCULATION(MINITAB) Table 5- Reference allele and alternative allele in populations Population Reference Alternative allele(Ref) allele(Alt) 25 South Asians G=0.3736(37%) A= 0.6264(62%) African Americans G=0.67087(67%) A=0.32913(33%) Batch 9 class C=0.5555(56%) T=0.4444(44%) As shown in the table NCBI has provide complementary base of the Reference and alternative allele as G and A instead of C and T. Inorder for precise results the decimals value are converted into whole numbers, to generate results for the chisquare test. Fig 24 - Chi squared analysis (minitab) results comparing the allele frequencies of the Batch 9 group vs African & East Asian groups. 26 Discussion When it comes to preventing humans from swallowing naturally hazardous compounds, which often taste bitter, the ability to perceive bitterness plays a crucial role. Phenylthiocarbamide (PTC) taste sensitivity variation is one of the most wellknown examples.(M. Fareed et al., 2012) During the methodology, Chelex Suspension was used to inactivate metal ions that protect the DNA from degradation during. Following that, Proteinase K was added to break down proteins, including those associated with cellular components, releasing the DNA into the solution. The master mix contains, DNA polymerase, primers, nucleotides, and buffer. PCR temperature cycles: Denaturation (94°C): To separate the DNA strands. Annealing (55°C): to enable primers to bind to the DNA template's complementary sequences selectively. Extension (72°C): To enable DNA polymerase to synthesize a new DNA strand based on the template.Next, addition of restriction enzyme(Fnu4HI) digestion , employed to cut DNA at specific recognition sequences. Ultimately, Ethidium Bromide was added to stain the DNA that fluoresces under UV light, allowing to visualize DNA fragments. Loading Buffers, facilitate the loading of DNA samples into the wells of the gel and to track the progress of electrophoresis. As displayed in the gel picture, my intended lane is lane number 13. Which displays an Homozygous mutant, with aa representation, followed by 2 non-taster alleles(aa).The band on the gel picture lies on the 303bp Which denotes to the fact that there is a gene mutation which results non-taster phenotype feature, 0% taster allele. The Fnu4H1 restriction enzyme receptor is not perfectly shaped restricting the Fnu4H1 restriction enzyme fit with the receptor and cleave the allele, both the alleles are not cut, both the alleles are mutated, which results in no bitter taste perception. as shown in fig 3, In lane 13 both the genotypes CC(non-mutated) is replaced with TT (mutated) due to the SNP at 785th position.Furthermore, amino acid sequence changes from alanine to valine. Table 3 shows that 18 students examined 18 distinct samples. The overall outcome reveals dominant and recessive samples. The phenotype of dominant (homozygous wild type and heterozygous) samples perceives the bitter taste of PTC, but the phenotype of recessive (homozygous mutant) samples does not taste PTC. Out of 18 27 samples, 13 samples exhibit dominant traits associated with the capacity to taste PTC, whereas 5 samples exhibit recessive traits associated with the inability to perceive bitter. Through deliberation of the genotype frequency, 39% of the individuals are homozygous wild(with CC) type,whereas 33%(CT) are heterozygous and 28% of individuals are homozygous mutant(TT), table 4. Ultimately 72% of individuals in the class taste for bitter, whilst 28% do not have the ability to taste bitter perception. The allele frequencies of batch 9 students simultaneously, elaborated that number of taster alleles was greater than number of non taster alleles . supporting the fact 55% taster alleles and 44% non-taste alleles were deliberated. By considering the study (Amos okutuse., 2018) in Jomo Kenyatta university ,It can be seen that fewer people were able to taste PTC at the lowest concentration as opposed to those who were able to taste it at the highest concentration of 0.13. Additionally, non-tasters at the concentration level of 0.001 PTC was greater than that at the concentration level of 0.13, providing strong evidence that the number of people who could taste PTC grew with its rising concentration(Fig 25).Therefore, it can be inferred from the information provided that the population contains more tasters as concentration increases.This study supports our class results. 28 Fig 25-PTC tasting data for Jomo Kenyatta university in biostatics class.(Amos okutuse., 2018) The PCR product size is 303(highlighted in gel picture), this band has a greater intensity when compared with the other bands, and this band do not move further due to increase weight, 300bp was denoted since it lies at a little further from the 300bp labeled in the ladder. One coding exon, 1002 base pairs length and encoding a 333 amino acid, 7transmembrane domain G protein-coupled receptor, makes up the TAS2R bitter taste receptor gene family, the major gene TAS2R38 on chromosome 7 responsible for this trait has been identified. This receptor responds to bitter stimuli.(Hussain, R.,et 2014). The marker bands (ladder) in show how many base pairs are present in each band. When both homozygous dominant alleles (AA) are present, restriction enzymes split the gene into two pieces, as seen in samples 14, 18, and 19. As seen in samples 15, 16, and 20, when one allele splits into two and the other stays the same, a gene with a heterozygous dominant allele (Aa) is broken into three parts by a restriction enzyme. Both of these genes provide favorable PTC taste results. Individuals who do not experience the PTC taste in sample 13 and 17 demonstrate that when the gene is not disrupted by the restriction enzymes, it includes both recessive alleles (tt) represents a one band due to original size(Fig- 3) (Serackis, et al., 2018). Table 6- Genotype frequency among different human populations for PTC tasting.(M.Fareed, et al., 2012) This populations shows a greater TT and Tt genotype compared to tt.As corellates with the class population. Base pair is denoted as 'bp' in the gel electrophoresis picture. Due of their lightness, shorter bands move upward the membrane. Since the restriction enzymes fail to split 29 the 't' allele due to the presence of the SNP.The original bp will have 303bp whereas the 2 cutting products will be 238bp and 65bp . ‘t’ band is 303bp, one ‘T’ is 238bp and other one is 65bp. Due to having a highest number of base pairs ‘t’ does not travel higher in the gel image due to the weight. ‘T’ travels higher due to having lighter number of base pairs that are cleaved by the restriction enzymes. Through comparative inspection of the reference allele(unmutated allele) and alternative allele(mutated allele) of the 3 populations shown in table 4, reference allele of Africans Americans are significantly higher, demonstrating 67% compared to South Asians(37%) and Batch 9(62%).To recapitulate that African Americans have greater population who with less mutations and more individuals who taste PTC. However, South Asians have a greater alternative allele of 62% compared to African Americans(33%) and Batch 9(44%) validating that South Asians population has increased population with mutations resulting more individuals that do not taste PTC. Table 7-Allele frequencies among different populations for PTC tasting(M.Fareed, et al., 2012) As illustrated, in this population ,both females and males,non taster alleles(t) In populations in Europe, the prevalence of the non-taster allele T ranges from 25% to 57%. Different castes and ethnic groups in India exhibit diversity in the frequency of the t-allele. Little variance in the non-taster allele among six populations is revealed by our investigation.When two racial groups are compared, they differ in phenotype as they do in genotype for the bitter taste gene, TAS2R38. It is well recognized that a 30 variety of human groups exhibit varying gene frequencies due to a variety of factors, including mutation, natural selection, inbreeding, genetic drift, and miscegenation.(M. Fareed et al., 2012) In the bitter taste gene when considering the mRNA and coding gene, they sequences start from different positions. In the mRNA strand the sequence starts from 1 where as the coding sequence starts from 85.Therefore although the mRNA sequence starts from position 1, coding sequence which codes for the protein sequence starts from 85, additionally mRNA sequence ends at 1143 and coding sequence ends at 1085, demonstrating that they have a significant difference in coordinates. Therefore since the change is occuring in the protein , the SNP should be located in the coding sequence as shown in fig 13,starting from 85 and ending from 1085. When digging in research analysis, The prevalence of taste blindness was observed to be 28% in healthy people and 81% in obese people. Results show a significant relationship between obesity and non-tasters. When compared to children that are overweight or obese, it has been observed that non-obese children have a higher prevalence of the PTC taster characteristic. (Veluswami, D., Et.,2015). There are versatile clinical relevance of tasters and non-tasters of PTC.Due to its link with food preferences, nutrient intake, and potential health consequences, the phenylthiocarbamide (PTC) taste ability, which is influenced by the proximity of certain alleles, has therapeutic significance. Aversions to bitter foods, such as cruciferous vegetables, may be displayed by people with taster alleles, who are more sensitive to bitter tastes. This may affect their dietary preferences and result in inadequate nutrient intake. On the other hand, non-tasters are less sensitive to bitter flavors and can be more receptive to certain meals.(Tepper, B. J.,et al., 1998). Due to its potential to customize dietary advice and therapies, this genetic characteristic is significant in therapeutic practice. To improve dietary adherence and overall health outcomes, healthcare providers might modify dietary regimens based on a person's PTC genotype.(Kim, U. K.,et al., 2005). Understanding PTC genotype can also contribute to research on taste perception and its link to broader health issues, such as obesity and chronic diseases. It highlights the intricate interplay between genetics and nutrition, paving the way for more targeted and effective dietary 31 interventions.(Drewnowski, A., et al., 2010). In the field of bitter taste transduction, PTC presents a remarkable opportunity. Given that it is a gene known to have a substantial influence on phenotypic in vivo, there are several opportunities for research of taste physiology, biochemical function, and molecular structure in the human taste sensitivity.(M.Fareed, et al., 2012) Finally veiling the objective, that intensity of PTC taste perception is result due to the presence and absence of C785T SNP. As mentioned earlier, if the P<0.05- Reject null hypothesis/accept alternative hypothesis (Ha) and if the P> 0.05 – Do not reject null Hypothesis (H0). As the chi square results been generated in Fig 24, has tabulated that p=0.000 which is less than 0.05, which supports the statement to Accept the alternative hypothesis(Ha). Validates the assertion that there is a significant difference between the alleles (taster and non-taster) of batch 9 students compared to South Asians and African Americans. Evaluating that different populations have various amount of individuals with taster and non-taster for PTC. CONCLUSION Ultimately, the p value 0.000 conclude that there is a significant difference of the batch 9 students (Sri Lanka) compared to South Asians and African Americans. Accepting the alternative hypothesis. 32 REFERENCES Amos okutuse (2018). Phenylthiocarbamide (PTC) Tasting Lab Report. https://okutsesreportsblog.wordpress.com/2018/03/22/ptc-tasting-lab-report/ Behrens, M., & Meyerhof, W. (2006). Bitter taste receptors and human bitter taste perception. Cell Molecular Life Science, 63(13), 1501-1509. 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