DNA – The Chemical of Life Web viewThis is to break open some of the cells. 3 – To make...
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DNA – The Chemical of Life Practical: Extracting DNA from berries 1 – Collect berries as allocated and a pestle and mortar. 2 - Mash the berries using the pestle and mortar. This is to break open some of the cells. 3 – To make an extraction buffer, add 10ml water, 1ml detergent and 1 spatula of salt to a small beaker and stir slowly until the salt dissolves. 4 - Add the extraction buffer to the mashed up berries and mix well using the pestle and mortar. 5 – Transfer the mixture to a test tube and incubate at 60 o C for 15 minutes. This starts to break down the cell’s membranes. 6 - Filter the berry mixture through a funnel & filter paper into a clean test tube until it is about 1/3 full. This separates the parts of the cell leaving a liquid containing the berry DNA. 7 – Using a dropper pour the ice cold ethanol slowly down the side of the test tube. The ethanol makes the DNA visible as it is insoluble in ethanol. Inside every cell of plants and animals is a nucleus which contains DNA. Long strands of DNA store the genetic information needed for the cell to carry out its function. The DNA found in strawberry and raspberry cells can be extracted using common,
Transcript of DNA – The Chemical of Life Web viewThis is to break open some of the cells. 3 – To make...
DNA – The Chemical of Life
Practical: Extracting DNA from berries
1 – Collect berries as allocated and a pestle and mortar.
2 - Mash the berries using the pestle and mortar. This is to break open some of the cells.
3 – To make an extraction buffer, add 10ml water, 1ml detergent and 1 spatula of salt to a small beaker and stir slowly until the salt dissolves.
4 - Add the extraction buffer to the mashed up berries and mix well using the pestle and mortar.
5 – Transfer the mixture to a test tube and incubate at 60oC for 15 minutes. This starts to break down the cell’s membranes.
6 - Filter the berry mixture through a funnel & filter paper into a clean test tube until it is about 1/3 full. This separates the parts of the cell leaving a liquid containing
the berry DNA.
7 – Using a dropper pour the ice cold ethanol slowly down the side of the test tube. The ethanol makes the DNA visible as it
is insoluble in ethanol.
8- Use a paperclip to hook the white jelly-like substance forming. This is the DNA!
Inside every cell of plants and animals is a nucleus which contains DNA. Long strands of DNA store the genetic information needed for the cell to carry out its function. The DNA found in strawberry and raspberry cells can be extracted using common, everyday materials.
Well done! You have successfully extracted DNA from berry fruit cells!!!!
