DNA Extraction

Specifications

• Skill Level: Basic
• Focus: Cell biology, scientific method
• Time: 45 – 60 minutes
• Restrictions: None

• Student Handout

Key Words

DNA, extraction, protein, phospholipid, nucleus, membrane, precipitate, buffer, control, kiwi, strawberry

Summary

All living things are made of cells. Most cells contain deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA, the blueprint of all living things. In prokaryotes (single celled organisms such as bacteria) the DNA is floating freely in the cytoplasm of the cell. In eukaryotes (multi-celled organisms) the DNA is enclosed within a nucleus. DNA contains the genetic code needed to synthesize proteins.

In this activity your students will perform a simple DNA extraction to remove cellular DNA from a fruit of their choice.

Activities and Objectives:

Upon completion of DNA Extraction students will be able to:

Pre-Laboratory

• differentiate between biotic and abiotic factors
• identify the different components of a eukaryotic cell

Laboratory

• illustrate the different components of DNA
• extract DNA from a fruit

Post-Laboratory

• outline the steps of the scientific method

Additional Resources

• NIH
  General information on DNA provided by the National Institutes of Health.
  http://www.genome.gov/25520880
• Koshland Science Museum
  DNA related online activities sponsored by the Koshland Science Museum.
  http://www.koshland-science-museum.org/exhibitdna/index.jsp

Quickgrabs

• DNA Learning Center
  An animation of the 3-D structure of DNA.
  http://www.dnalc.org/resources/3d/23-dna-unzip.html