DNA Extraction Banana Strawberry Corn Pea Why DNA

DNA Extraction Banana, Strawberry, Corn, Pea

Why DNA Isolation? • The extraction of DNA from cells & its purification are of primary importance to the field of biotechnology & forensics. • Extraction & purification of DNA are the first steps in the analysis and manipulation of DNA that allow scientists to detect genetic disorders, produce DNA fingerprints of individuals, and even create genetically engineered organisms that can produce beneficial products such as insulin, antibiotics, and hormones!

Process & Procedures • You will be extracting DNA from at least 3 out of the 4 fruits & vegetables. Your choices include: – Strawberries – Peas – Corn – Bananas

Question & Hypothesis Question: Which fruit/vegetable will produce the most DNA? Hypothesis: You will not be able to add a “because” to your hypothesis, as we have not completed background research. Just state which fruit/vegetable you think will produce the most DNA.

Procedures 1. Construct a data table. Determine how you will collect quantitative data (for a graph in your lab report). 2. Working in pairs, use a weigh boat to measure 4 g of food. 3. Mash the food using the mortar and pestle (2 min). 4. Add 12 m. L of extraction buffer & continue mashing for an additional minute. 5. Allow mixture to sit for 5 minutes. 6. Pour mixture into a funnel lined with filter paper and allow the liquid and solids to separate. 7. Pour liquid into a test tube. Add 7 m. L of 90% ethyl alcohol and observe the DNA precipitate out of the solution. 8. Use a stirring rod to gather DNA.

Information to include in your lab (part of Background Information) • Research the answers to the following questions: – What was the purpose of mashing the food with a mortar and pestle? – The extraction buffer is composed of soap/water, meat tenderizer, and salt. What is the reason for using each ingredient? – At the end we added ethyl alcohol to the test tube. Why?