DNA Extraction: Strawberry

Introduction: DNA isolation is one of the most basic and essential techniques in the study of DNA. The extraction of DNA from cells and its purification are of primary importance to the field of biotechnology and forensics. DNA can be extracted from many types of cells. The first step is to lyse or break open the cell. This can be done by grinding a piece of tissue in a blender. After the cells have broken open, a salt solution such as NaCl and a detergent solution containing the compound SDS (sodiumdodecyl sulfate) is added. These solutions break down and emulsify the lipids & proteins that make up a cell membrane. Finally, ethanol is added because DNA is soluble in water. The alcohol causes DNA to precipitate, or settle out of the water solution, leaving behind all the cellular components that aren't soluble in alcohol. The DNA can be spooled (wound) on a stirring rod and pulled from the solution at this point.

Materials/Methods: Place one strawberry in a zipper bag and mash it up for 2 minutes. Add 10 mLs of the extraction buffer to the bag and mash again for 1 minute. While one partner is mashing the other partner should drape the coffee filter in the cup. Make sure the top part of the filter is folded over the top of your cup and that the bottom of the filter does not touch the bottom of the cup. Next, pour the mashed strawberries with the extraction buffer into the filter and let drip into the bottom of the cup. This takes about 10 minutes. Slowly add 20 mL of ethanol to the strawberry extract to allow the DNA to precipitate out of the solution. DNA will rise into the alcohol layer from the strawberry layer. Dip the stirring rod into the beaker where the alcohol and strawberry layers meet. Slowly turning the stirring rod will spool (wrap) the DNA around the rod so it can be removed from the liquid. Pull up the rod.

Results/Data Analysis:

After the experiment a significant difference in the amount of precipitated DNA was visible in the strawberry test tube in comparison with the banana. This result could have been due to the amount of solution was present in the bag after the strawberry was mashed compared to the amount present in the banana bag. The obvious reason is that more DNA was extracted from the cells of the strawberry than from the cells of the banana. 1. A. Filter strawberry slurry through cheesecloth- Separate components of the cell B. Mush Strawberry with salty/soapy solution- Break up proteins and dissolve cell membranes

C. Initial smashing and grinding of strawberry- Break open the cells D. Addition of ethanol to filtered extract- To precipitate DNA from solution

2. The DNA looks like a white and cloudy stringy substance that comes together to form a clump. 3. The addition of ethanol caused the DNA to precipitate out of the solution. 4. DNA is not visible as a single strand to the naked eye, but when thousands of threads of DNA are present, you will be able to see the large groups of threads of DNA. 5. Scientists can use DNA from mummies or seeds that are thousands of years old and identify the genetics of those plants and animals using their DNA. 6. Yes, DNA is present in all living and once living cells.

Conclusion: As expected, we found that the DNA was extracted into a clump. We also identified what each
material/procedure was meant for. Pouring the strawberry extract into the cheesecloth was meant to put the DNA into solid form; smashing the strawberry is meant to break open the cells; using the soapy solution was meant to separate components of the cell; and adding ethanol is meant to break up proteins and dissolve cell membranes. Extraction and purification of DNA are the first steps in the analysis and

manipulation of DNA that allow scientists to detect genetic disorders, produce DNA fingerprints of individuals, and even create genetically engineered organisms that can produce beneficial products such as insulin, antibiotics, and hormones.

References: 1. Ncbionetwork. "Strawberry DNA Extraction." YouTube. YouTube, 22 Oct. 2010. Web. 21 Apr. 2013.

2. "Do-it-Yourself Strawberry DNA." Understanding Genetics. The Tech Museum of Innovation, 2013. Web. 21 Apr. 2013. 3. Jankowski, Tito. "Extract DNA from Strawberries | DIYbio." DIYbio. N.p., 20 Mar. 2009. Web. 21 Apr. 2013.