Goals:
Review what DNA isExtract DNA from strawberries, bananas, blueberries, cheek cells
Compare DNAs
Background:
Technique:
Use method described in: Science Buddies Staff. "Do-It-Yourself DNA" Science Buddies. Science Buddies, 5 Aug. 2014. Web. 6 Jan. 2017
Materials and Equipment
- Measuring cup
- Measuring spoons
- Isopropyl rubbing alcohol, 70% (1/2 cup)
- Salt (1/2 tsp.)
- Water
- Dishwashing liquid (1 tbsp.); Liquid detergent you use for hand washing dishes (e.g., Dawn®)
- Glass or small bowl
- Cheesecloth
- Funnel
- Tall drinking glass
- Strawberries (3), bananas, blueberries,...
- Re-sealable plastic sandwich bag
- Test tube or small glass jar, e.g., spice jar or baby food jar
- Bamboo skewer or other thin rod. They are available at grocery stores. Alternatively, you can use a toothpick if your test tube or small glass jar is no taller than a toothpick.
- Lab notebook
Results:
Compare DNAs in tubes
Use stirrer to put DNAs on labelled microscope slides - observe
Summary:
Review DNA structure, translation to protein, results of DNA comparison
Review technique fails and successes for next time
Hand out DNA extraction method printout