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This lab is not part of the herbal supplement DNA sequencing project, but it lets students see real DNA and teaches students the role of different chemical used in DNA extractions.
Learning goals
Learning goals
You will extract DNA from fruit.
You will be able to see the DNA and manipulate it with a stick.
You should be able to explain the role of salt, detergent and alcohol in a DNA extraction
Safety information
Safety information
Everything in this lab is safe to touch and use in your kitchen. Don't eat the dish soap or alcohol. :-)
Video: Extract DNA using things in your kitchen
Video: Extract DNA using things in your kitchen
Watch this video to learn how to extract DNA using things from your kitchen.
Materials provided by student:
Materials provided by student:
a small stick (such as wooden skewer, chop stick, toothpick, paper clip etc)
fruit (such as 2 strawberries, 1/3 of a banana, or 1 kiwi)-In my experience, bananas work best
2 teaspoons dish soap (bathroom soap might work?)
1/2 cup water
1/2 teaspoon salt
drinking glass (preferably see-through)
small ziploc bag (or a cup)
coffee filter or cheese cloth
ice cold rubbing alcohol (isopropanol, must be 70% or higher)
Notes:
If using 70% isopropanol, it should be freshly opened. Otherwise, the alcohol evaporates faster than the water, and it may be less than 70% isopropanol. 98% isopropanol should be OK even if it’s a bit old.
Ethanol will also work, but it must be at least 70% alcohol (140 proof or higher, like Everclear)
Put alcohol in freezer at least 12 hours before use. It must be ice cold
Read this to learn what each chemical does in the DNA extraction process
Read the Background and watch the Video above to answer these questions about the role of each chemical in a DNA extraction
Answer these questions before carrying out the protocol, to make sure you understand what you are doing.
Read this protocol to to learn how to extract DNA
Collect the listed materials
Remember to assemble everything you will need before beginning.
Follow the protocol to extract DNA from a fruit (banana, strawberry, etc)
Take photos or video of yourself doing the extraction to show that you have done the extraction. You must appear, alongside your lab setup in at least one of the photos or one video frame.
Feel free to work with another student either in person or over zoom when you do this lab.
Answer these questions after carrying out the protocol.
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