The bitter taste challenge
Some compounds taste intensely bitter to some people — and like almost nothing to others. Variants in the taste-receptor gene TAS2R38 (marker rs713598) are linked to this difference. Check your own raw data file — right in the browser.
How to do it
- Don't have the file yet? Download your raw data (23andMe, MyHeritage, AncestryDNA, FTDNA).
- Look up rs713598 in the rsID lookup to see which associations the marker has.
- Want to see your own variant? Analyze the file locally — it is not uploaded.
- Share the challenge with a friend — compare your variants!
The science, briefly
The taste-receptor gene TAS2R38 controls how strongly we perceive certain bitter compounds (like PTC and similar substances in e.g. kale and broccoli). Variants of rs713598 are linked in studies to whether a person is a “taster” or “non-taster” — but food habits, culture and learning shape the experience too. It is an association, not a verdict on how you taste.
More challenges: The coffee quiz · DNA mysteries · All challenges