Download DNA Extraction Lab

DNA Extraction Lab
Pre – Lab Questions
• Besides peas, what other items could possibly
be used as a DNA source?
• What is the purpose of the blender in this
experiment? In other words, why do we need
to blend the peas in this experiment?
• What was the purpose of using a meat
tenderizer substance?
• Why did we need to use alcohol? Why did the
alcohol need to be cold?
• What was the purpose of using salt and
detergent throughout the procedure?
ANSWERS
• Spinach, Chicken Liver, Strawberries, and/or
Broccoli
• The blender allows the pea cells to be
separated from one another.
• In this experiment, meat tenderizer acts as an
enzyme to cut proteins just like a pair of
scissors. The DNA in the nucleus of the cell is
molded, folded, and protected by proteins.
The meat tenderizer cuts the proteins away
from the DNA.
ANSWERS
• Using alcohol allows for the yield of DNA to be
increased. With regards to the temperature of
the alcohol, using it at a cold temperature allows
for the DNA precipitate (i.e. solid) to appear more
quickly.
• Salty water helps the DNA solidify and appear
once alcohol is added. A cell's membranes have
two layers of lipid (fat) molecules with proteins
going through them. When detergent comes
close to the cell, it captures the lipids and
proteins that are blocking access to the cell’s
DNA.