EXP 6: Isolating DNA

Isolating DNA

DNA is found inside the cells of all living things. In animals, plants and fungi most of the DNA is found inside the nucleus – the information centre of the cell.

This activity will enable you to extract DNA from fruit using basic household ingredients such as washing-up liquid, salt and vodka. You will be using essentially the same chemicals and processes that are used when DNA is extracted in the lab!

Students extract a visible mass of DNA from 4 different fruits and visually compare the amount of the DNA collected. Attached readings and activities will illustrate the structure and function of DNA. This activity is designed to give students basic concepts that are vital for understanding agricultural biotechnology: 1. Understand DNA is in the cells of all living organisms including in the foods we eat. 2. Determine how each of the ingredients in the protocol help extract DNA. 3. DNA can be extracted from cells for scientific use. 4. Extract a visible mass of DNA from fruit tissue