Download DNA investigation

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Date:
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DeoxyriboNucleic Acid Investigation
*DO NOT EAT ANYTHING IN THIS LAB*
Essential Questions:
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What is DNA?
Can I see DNA?
Pre-lab questions:
1. What is DNA? __________________________________________________________________________
2. Do all living things contain DNA? ___________________________________________________________
Background Information:
DNA stands for deoxyribonucleic acid, which contains a living organism’s genetic material (the instructions on how to
build the organism). The DNA is stored in the nucleus of the cell. In reproduction, DNA carries the traits and
characteristics from the parents to the offspring. The genetic code provides information necessary to create amino
acids, which create proteins. Strawberries are octoploid, in other words, strawberries have eight copies of each
chromosome (making large amounts of DNA that we can extract). In comparison, humans are diploid, in which we have
only two sets of each chromosome.
Procedure:
1. Place one strawberry into the sandwich bag, making sure the bag is completely closed. Try to get out as much
air as possible.
2. Using your fingers, carefully mash and grind the strawberry inside the bag for one minute. CAREFUL – make
sure the bag does not open and does not pop.
3. Measure 10 ml of the buffer solution using the graduated cylinder.
4. Add the 10 ml of buffer solution to the bag, and close the bag.
5. Mix and mash the strawberry in the solution for one minute. CAREFUL - make sure the bag does not open and
does not pop.
6. Place the filter on top of the funnel. Place the funnel on top of the test tube.
7. Carefully pour the strawberry solution into the test tube.
8. Draw a picture of the strawberry solution in the test tube below. Include words to describe what it looks like.
Drawing 1: QUALITATIVE OBSERVATIONS OF THE STRAWBERRY SOLUTION BEFORE ADDING ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL.
9. CAREFUL & SLOWLY - Using a pipette, slowly squeeze the cold isopropyl alcohol into the test tube.
10. DO NOT STIR – Using the wooden stick, dip the stick into the test tube and slowly lift the stick out of the
strawberry and alcohol solution. DO NOT STIR THE SOLUTION.
11. Congratulations! The goop you have pulled out is DNA!
ANALYSIS:
1. What was the purpose of smashing the strawberry in this experiment?
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2. Describe the appearance of the DNA you extracted.
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3. Why is DNA needed in every cell of every living thing?
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4. Do you think we can extract DNA from your cells?
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5. Is there anyone on this planet with the exact same DNA as you? Explain your answer.
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