Name: ____________________________ Grade & Section: ______ Rating: _____
Experiment # ___
DNA EXTRACTION
INTRODUCTION :
DNA is found in the cells of living organisms, whether prokaryotic or eukaryotic. DNA is a double
stranded macromolecule composed of nucleotide bases, pairing adenine with thymine and
guanine with cytosine. DNA can be extracted from cells by a simple technique with household
chemicals, enabling students to see strands of DNA with the naked eye.
OBJECTIVES: At the end of the activity, the students should be able to:
1. extract DNA from the fruit of a strawberry/ kiwi fruit/ banana
2. describe the DNA extracted from the fruits
Prelab:
Look at the sketch of the plant cell below. The chromosomes (which are made of DNA) are in
the nucleus. Describe the DNA in eukaryotic cells. Is this the only place where DNA is located?
PRELECTION: Which of these statements is fact or fallacy.
1. DNA is double-helix 6. Can be amplified outside the cell
2. Made of a 6-carbon sugar 7. Can be used for identification
3. Present in the nucleus 8. Made of A, T, G, C
4. Present in the mitochondria and 9. Can be used 100% accurately in a
chloroplast crime scene
5. Discovered by Watson and Crick 10. In humans, only less than 1% in a
DNA can be coded to make
proteins
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS:
1. Do not eat or drink in the laboratory.
2. Wear apron & safety goggles.
MATERIALS (per student group):
• empty plastic bag for ice
• strawberry, banana, kiwi, tomato (fresh or frozen and thawed)
• small piece of chicken liver
• cheesecloth
• funnel
• 2- 50 mL beakers
• 2 test tubes
• 1 wooden splinter
• DNA Extraction Buffer
(One liter: mix 100 ml of shampoo (without conditioner), 15 g NaCl, 900 ml water OR
50 ml liquid dishwashing detergent, 15 g NaCl and 950 ml water)
• Ice-cold, 95% ethanol or 95% isopropyl alcohol
PROCEDURE:
1. Place a piece of the fruit in a plastic bag and carefully press out all of the air and seal
the bag.
2. Smash the fruit with your fist for 2 minutes.
3. Add 10 ml extraction buffer to the bag and carefully press
out all of the air and seal the bag.
4. Mush again for one minute.
5. Filter through cheesecloth in a funnel into a small beaker.
Support the test tube in a test tube rack.
6. Discard the extra mashed fruit.
7. Pour filtrate into test tube so that it is 1/4 full.
8. Slowly pour the ice-cold alcohol into the tube until the tube
is half full and forms a layer over the top of the strawberry
extract.
9. At the interface, you will see the DNA precipitate out of
solution and float to the top. You may spool the DNA on
your glass rod or pipette tip.
10. Spool the DNA by dipping a pipette tip or glass rod into the tube right where the extract
layer & alcohol are in contact with each other. With your tube at eye level, twirl the rod
& watch as DNA strands collect.
11. Repeat steps 1 – 10, using another fruit and the chicken liver.
ANALYSIS:
1. Match the procedure and the effect on the cell.
Effect on the Cell Process
_______ 1. Break open the cell A. Squish the fruit to a slush
_______ 2. Dissolve cell membranes B. Filter your extract through cheesecloth
_______ 3. Precipitate the DNA (clump the C. Mix in a detergent solution
DNA together)
_______ 4. Separate organelles break cell D. Pour cold alcohol over the extract
wall and membranes
2. DNA Extraction Table
Amount added or Initial Color Purpose
obtained
Buffer (soap-salt
mixture)
Fruit
Cold alcohol
DNA extracted
GUIDE QUESTIONS:
1. Where can DNA be found in the cell?
2. Discuss the action of the soap (detergent) on the cell. What is the purpose of the soap in
this activity?
3. What was the purpose of the sodium chloride? Include a discussion of polarity and charged
particles.
4. Why was the cold ethanol added to the soap and salt mixture?
5. How sure are you that what you extracted was the DNA? Was it a pure sample? What will
be the next step/s after this?
GENERALIZATION:
FURTHER ACTIVITY:
Try the virtual lab DNA Extraction using the site below.
[Link]