Science Lab Report

Name of Student: Herman Fung

Grade: Y10 Peace

Teacher: Ms. Wong

Experiment to investigate an aspect of the length (in mm) of the DNA extracted in a kiwi juice by
changing the amount of detergent.

Investigation Question:
To what extent does the change of the amount of Detergent affect the length of the DNA extracted?
Background to the Investigation question:
The aim of this experiment is to investigate how does the different amount of detergent added into the kiwi
juice affect the length of the DNA extracted.
*References are placed at the end of the report

What are the purpose of DNA extraction?

DNA extraction is conducted to separate the DNA in a specific biological sample. There are various
applications of DNA extraction, but mostly its for 3 purposes. Firstly, DNA extraction is mostly used for
diagnostic purposes.1 DNA extraction helps to detect bacteria and viruses and other genetic causes of
disease. Secondly, DNA extraction is important in forensic science. DNA extraction allows professionals to
carry out forensic tests, and to find out the reason behind a specific incident or who caused the specific
incident. Lastly, DNA extraction could be used while studying the characteristics of a specific DNA sample.
The study could find out characteristics like Length, Size, Shape and Function of the DNA.

Why are Detergent, Salt, Meat Tenderizer and Ethanol used in DNA extraction? What are the effect of
each?

Detergent -2
The detergent helps us clean dishes by removing the fats and proteins stained on the dishes,
allowing us to be able to wash off dirts easily. To do this, detergent contains sodium lauryl sulphate, which
does the same thing while extracting DNA. When detergent is added to the kiwi juice, it pulls apart the
proteins and lipid that forms the cell membrane. Since the cell membrane surrounds the cell and the
nucleus, once it is broken apart, DNA is released.

Salt -3/4
Each DNA molecules are negatively charged. The DNA molecules repel according to their charges
rather than attracted to each other like a magnet. By adding salt into the kiwi juice, it separates the DNA
molecules, allowing it to be visible and easier for us to extract.

Ethanol -5
Ethanol is used to force the DNA to precipitates in the kiwi juice, similar to the purpose of adding salt.
In this experiment, its best to use cold ethanol because it better protects the DNA by forcing the enzymes to
break apart the DNA slower, so that its easier for us to extract. Furthermore, using cold ethanol helps the
DNA to further appear more clearly and quickly.

Meat Tenderiser -6
Meat Tenderiser acts like an enzyme because it usually contains Bromelain and Papain, which helps
to break apart proteins. The DNA inside the kiwi juice are mostly folded and protected by proteins, and in
order to extract out the DNA, we would need to use meat tenderiser to help us cut away the proteins,
allowing us to extract out more DNA from the kiwi juice.

Hypothesis:
The more amount of Detergent are added into the kiwi juice, the more DNA will be released from the cell,
therefore the longer the length of the DNA.
Explanation of your Hypothesis:

1"DNA Extraction | Summary." DNA Extraction | Summary. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Feb. 2017.
2"How To Extract DNA From Anything Living." How To Extract DNA From Anything Living. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Feb. 2017.
3"How to Extract DNA from a Kiwi Fruit." How to Extract DNA from a Kiwi Fruit | The Naked Scientists. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Feb.
2017.
4Buddies, Science. "Squishy Science: Extract DNA from Smashed Strawberries." Scientific American. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Feb. 2017.
5"How To Extract DNA From Anything Living." How To Extract DNA From Anything Living. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Feb. 2017.
6"How To Extract DNA From Anything Living." How To Extract DNA From Anything Living. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Feb. 2017.
 The DNA extracted should be the longest in length when there is the most Detergent added into the kiwi
juice. When Detergent is added into the kiwi juice, it pulls apart the proteins and lipid, which is what cell
membranes are made of. Once the cell membranes are broken apart, the DNA inside will be released out
from the cell. Although the Detergent helps to break apart the cell membranes, it does not necessarily help
the DNA to precipitate, therefore it may affect the validity of my hypothesis. My hypothesis may only work for
this particular experiment and may be invalid when other conducts their experiment.

Variables:

Independent variable Detergent

Unit(s) of IV Different amounts of detergent (millilitres) (ml)

Range of IV measured 4 millilitres of Detergent (Interval)

Describe and explain the
procedure to change the
independent variable.
Changing the intervals for 5 times (from 4 to 12 teaspoon)(including
starting interval)
The first interval were starting with will be 4 millilitres of Detergent, after 3
trials, we will then add different amount of Detergent into the kiwi juice, in a 2
millilitre interval.

Dependent variable Length of DNA will be my dependent variable

Unit(s) of DV Millimeter (mm)

Derived variable The change in length of the DNA extracted from the kiwi juice.

Unit(s) of DV Millimeter (mm)

Describe and explain the By using a hook to extract DNA out of the kiwi juice from the test tube, all of
procedure to calculate the the DNA extracted from each trial will be placed on a piece of A4 paper neatly
derived variable. in a straight line. Using a ruler, we will be able to find out the length of the DNA
extracted.

Controlled variable Procedure to control it and explain why it matters to

the investigation.

Describe and explain the
procedure to control other
variables in the
investigation.
In this experiment, I will I will make sure that the kiwi are produced by the
be using kiwis that are same brand by double checking the labels on the
produced by the same kiwi when purchasing, so that I can make sure there
brand and bought at the are no errors from the production factors of the
same place together to kiwis. This is to make sure that there are no
conduct the experiment. difference or error from the production factors of the
kiwis.
 In this experiment, I will
make sure that the
amount of Detergent
added into each
solution are precise and
correct.
In this experiment, I will
make sure that amount
of Ethanol added to
each solution are
precise and correct.
Materials / Equipment List
I will make sure that the amount of Detergent added
into each solution are precisely measured using a
dropper, so that I can make sure that the my
independent variable are precise and correct,
minimizing as much error as possible.
I will make sure that the amount of Ethanol added
into each solution are precisely measured using a
measuring cylinder. Using a measuring cylinder
enables us to clearly see the amount of Ethanol,
making sure that its correct before adding into the
solution.

Materials/Equipment Amount

Kiwi x8

Table Salt x50g

Detergent x50ml

Ethanol x200ml

Meat Tenderiser x50g

Beaker x5 (50ml)

Dropper x20

Measuring Cylinder x5 (50ml)

Mortar & Pestle x2

Knife x2

Test Tube x15

Spectula x5

Mini Hook x2

Test Tube Rack x3

Electronic Balance x1

Paper Towel x30

Separation Net (Cheesecloth) x1

Lab Coat x1

Safety Glasses x1

Risk Assessment:

1. While transferring Ethanol from a measuring cylinder to a test tube, there may be a chance of spilling
out or leaking out, therefore we should make sure that the experiment is conducted in a clear and
safe area, best if operated on top of the sink. (Ensure that lab coat and safety glasses are worn)
 2. While smashing the kiwi pieces, there may be a chance of spitting out small kiwi pieces or juice,
therefore we should make sure that the area is clean and suitable for conducting the experiment
(placing tissue or towel would be suitable).
Method / Procedure:

1. Prepare all the materials needed for the experiment

2. Wear your lab coat and safety glasses
3. Take out each kiwi, measure the weight using an electric balance, record data down each on a piece
of paper.
4. Using the knife, carefully cut the kiwis in half, measure the length of half the kiwis using a ruler.
5. Place half the kiwi into the mortar each time, and smash the kiwi into smaller pieces using a pestle.
(Insert around 15 ml of water if necessary)
6. Take a beaker, and place the separation net on top.
7. Using the pestle, slowly move the kiwi pieces into the separation net.
8. Squeeze the juice out of the kiwi pieces in the separation net gently into the beaker, and repeat for
every kiwi.
9. Distribute the kiwi juice into 5 separate beakers equally (25ml each), and label each as 4 ml, 6 ml, 8
ml, 10 ml, 12 ml (Independent Variable).
10. Distribute each of the kiwi juice in the 5 separate beakers into 3 test tube for the trials for different,
and label 3 test tube for each variable. Place all the test tube onto a test tube rack. (4 ml, 6 ml, 8 ml,
10 ml, 12 ml) (3 for each beaker, a total of 15 test tube for 15 trials)
11. Using the electric balance, measure 0.3 grams of table salt. (Using a spatula would be more
accurate, and a piece of tissue would be advised for better transfer into the kiwi juices)
12. Add the table salt into one of the test tube, repeat for the 15 different trials.
13. Gently shake each of the test tube to ensure that the salt is fully dissolved into the kiwi juice.
14. Using a dropper, measure 4 ml of detergent and add it into the each of the 3 test tube. Wait for 5-10
minutes.
15. While waiting, using the electric balance measure 0.6 grams of meat tenderizer. (Using a spatula
would be more accurate, and a piece of tissue would be advised for better transfer into the kiwi
juices)
 16. Add the meat tenderizer into one of the test tube after 5-10 minutes, repeat for the 3 different trials.
17. Repeat step 14-16, but changing the independent variable from 6 ml to 12 ml (2 ml intervals)
18. Using a measuring cylinder, measure 7 ml of ethanol and add into each of the 15 test tube slowly.
(Ensure that the ethanol is added slowly on the top layer of the solution by slightly pouring it at a 45
degree angle)
19. Allow the solutions to rest for 5 minutes
20. Using a mini hook, extract the DNA on the top layer of the solution onto a piece of A4 paper.
21. Place a ruler on the paper to form a straight line with the DNA extracted to measure the length of the
DNA extracted.
22. Repeat 20-21 with all the 15 trials
23. Compare the results according to the dependent and derived variables (check with hypothesis)
Results
Weight of Kiwis:
92.97g - 94.26g (Range of weight of 8 kiwis)

Data for 4 ml of Detergent:

Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3

Amount of 4 millilitres 4 millilitres 4 millilitres

Detergent

Length of DNA 95mm 96mm 93.2mm

Average Length of 94.73mm (2 decimal place)

3 Trials

Data for 6 ml of Detergent:

Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3

Amount of 6 millilitres 6 millilitres 6 millilitres

Detergent

Length of DNA 150mm 147mm 153mm

Average Length of 150mm

3 Trials

Data for 8 ml of Detergent:

Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3

Amount of 8 millilitres 8 millilitres 8 millilitres

Detergent

Length of DNA 187.3mm 190mm 183.2mm

Average Length of 186.83mm (2 decimal place)

3 Trials

Data for 10 ml of Detergent:

Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3

Amount of 10 millilitres 10 millilitres 10 millilitres

Detergent

Length of DNA 221.3mm 225.6mm 219.2mm

Average Length of 222.03mm (2 decimal place)
3 Trials

Data for 12 ml of Detergent:

Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3

Amount of 12 millilitres 12 millilitres 12 millilitres

Detergent

Length of DNA 276.4mm 288.7mm 279.2mm

Average Length of 281.43mm (2 decimal place)

3 Trials

Qualitative Observations:
There were various noises from other classmates while conducting the experiment. There were noises like:
smashing kiwi and conversation between lab partners. There were also some kiwi juice and water splashed
near the sink and experiment area while conducting the experiment.
Processed data ii interpret:

4 millimeters 6 millimeters 8 millimeters 10 millimeters 12 millimeters

Average Length 94.73mm 150mm 186.83mm 222.03mm 281.43mm

of DNA

Graph:

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the results do match my hypothesis. The more amount of Detergent added into the kiwi juice,
the longer the length of the DNA extracted. The more amount of Detergent added into the kiwi juice, the
more DNA is released since more of the cell membrane surrounding the cell and the nucleus are broken
apart, therefore the results show that the more Detergent is added the longer the length of the DNA.

According to my results, when 4 ml of Detergent are added into the kiwi juice, the average length of the DNA
extracted are 94.73mm; when 12 ml of Detergent are added into the kiwi juice, the average length of the
DNA extracted are 281.43mm. From this, we can calculate that there is an increase of 186.73mm in the
length of the DNA extracted through the increase of 8 ml of Detergent added into the kiwi juice. Therefore
this proves that the more Detergent is added into the kiwi juice, the longer the length of the DNA, meaning
that more DNA are released from the cell. When more Detergent is added into the kiwi juice, the substances
pulls apart more of the proteins and lipid that forms the cell membrane. The more cell membrane it pulls
apart, the more DNA are released.

From the results, we can see the pattern in the increase of the length of DNA extracted as the amount of
Detergent added increases as well. Furthermore, from the graph, we are able to see that there are 5 points
which represent the 5 different independent variables that Ive changed. The lowest point on the graph
represents the result for the kiwi juice added with 4 ml of Detergent; the highest point on the graph
represents the result for the kiwi juice added with 12 ml of Detergent. From the best fit line of the graph, we
can notice that there is an increasing in the length of the DNA, proving that my hypothesis is relevant and
matches my graph.

In this experiment, I used Detergent to help pull apart the cell membranes in the kiwi juice, but actually, we
can also investigate the how adding Salt helps the DNA to precipitate from the kiwi juice. All of the kiwi juice
used in the experiment are added with 0.3g of salt, therefore generally every single trial has the same
amount of DNA being precipitated. If the experiment we also changed the amount of Salt added in each trial,
then the results would vary even more and would be very interesting to investigate on.

Evaluation-Validity of the hypothesis:

My data collected is accurate and relevant to my hypothesis, since my data for each trial intervals has been
similar and the data follows an increasing trend as the independent variable are increased.
According to a neighbour that did a similar experiment, the trend of the data is similar. We both had similar
results where the length of the DNA extracted increases as more Detergent is added into the kiwi juice.
Therefore my data is relevant, and supports my hypothesis.

According to my friends that did a similar experiment, their results collected also shows that there is an
increasing trend in the length of the DNA extracted as the amount of their independent variable added are
increased. This clearly presents that my hypothesis is valid after collecting the data.

Evaluation - Validity of the method:

The method used in the experiment is appropriate and relevant to investigate the research question, as
there are easy to understand steps and detail guidelines leading the person on conducting the experiment,
and how they should change their independent variable. Furthermore the method are designed to prevent
errors for more reliable results. The method of this experiment is valid because its written based on the
guidelines from a professional teacher but also my past experience of conducting the experiment. Moreover,
the method are carefully created to ensure that people with no prior knowledge can conduct the experiment
from scratch based on the easy to understand steps and detailed guidelines. Lastly, the method are
rigorously created so that it guarantees the experiment will be conducted successfully and to minimise as
much errors as possible during the experiment.

The validity of the method might be affected if the independent variable is changed or the change of
materials used for the experiment.

The steps that could possibly affect my results includes:

Step 9 (Distribute the kiwi juice into 5 separate beakers equally (25ml each), and label each as 4 ml,
6 ml, 8 ml, 10 ml, 12 ml (Independent Variable).

This step might affect my answer to the research question because when the kiwi juice are distributed into
each beaker, its done by hand, suggesting that there may be some minor errors between each beaker.
Using hand to separate the juice equally is a very tough job, therefore this may affect the final results
because there may be a difference in a number of kiwi cells in each beaker.
 Step 10 (Distribute each of the kiwi juice in the 5 separate beakers into 3 test tube for the trials for
different, and label 3 test tube for each variable (4 ml, 6 ml, 8 ml, 10 ml, 12 ml) (3 for each beaker, a
total of 15 test tube for 15 trials).)

This step might affect my answer to the research question because when the kiwi juice are distributed into
each test tube, its done by hand, suggesting that there may be some minor errors between each test tube.
Furthermore, pouring equally into a test tube are even more difficult than pouring into a beaker, therefore
this may cause even more errors of the difference in a number of kiwi cells in each test tube, which may
affect the final result.

Step 13 (Gently shake each of the test tube to ensure that the salt is fully dissolved into the kiwi
juice.)

This step might affect my answer to the research question because when we shake each of the test tubes,
we are not able to actually know when the salt is fully dissolved into the kiwi juice, we guess if its dissolved
fully or not. This may affect the final results, because if the salt added are not fully dissolved, then the DNA
may not fully precipitate from the kiwi juice.

Step 14 (Using a dropper, measure 4 ml of detergent and add it into the each of the 3 test tube. Wait
for 5-10 minutes.)

This step might affect my answer to the research question because when we use a dropper to measure the
amount of detergent to add to the kiwi juice, the detergent tends to stick or move slowly into the dropper,
and sometimes it creates some small bubbles when the dropper is sucking up the detergent. This might
affect the final results, because this may cause minor errors of the total amount of detergent added into
each kiwi juice trial, which may affect a number of cell membranes being pulled apart.

Step 20 (Using a mini hook, extract the DNA on the top layer of the solution onto a piece of A4
paper.)

This step might affect my answer to the research question because when we use a mini hook to extract out
the DNA from the kiwi juice, its rather hard to take it out from the test tube. The mini hook isnt that easy to
pull out the DNA from the test tube, especially when the liquid slides the DNA back into the test tube when
its being pulled out. Therefore sometimes in order to pull out the DNA, there may be a small leakage of the
solution being pulled out as well, which may affect the results.

Evaluation of the Method and Suggested Improvements:

Problems with the experiment
The salt added into the kiwi juice
may not be fully dissolved.
The amount of kiwi juice being
distributed into each test
tube/beaker may not be entirely
accurate and equal.
The amount of detergent added
into each trial may not be
accurate using a dropper.
Not all of the DNA in the test
tube are being extracted fully.
The effect caused by the problem
This might make the results of the
data not accurate, because it may
affect the amount of DNA being
precipitated and therefore leading
to inaccurate answer towards the
investigation question.
This might make the results of the
data not accurate, because this
may affect the amount of cell
membranes distributed unequally in
each trial and therefore leading to
inaccurate results.
This might affect the results of the
experiment, because the amount of
detergent being added affects the
amount of cell membrane being
pulled apart, which may make the
results unreliable.
This might make the results not as
convincing, because the amount of
Suggested improvements
Use a spatula or spoon to stir
until its fully dissolved.
Use a dropper to distribute the
kiwi juice, making it more
accurate.
Pour the amount of detergent
needed into a measuring
cylinder/beaker, then use a
spoon/spatula to add it into the
kiwi juices.
Use a spatula/spoon to extract
the DNA (something that pulls out
 DNA extracted may vary between the DNA easier).
each trial, and therefore the results
may not be accurate.
Extensions to the experiment:
To make the results more accurate and the trend of the results more clear, we could conduct more
trials for each of the independent variable intervals changed.
To make stronger results and making the hypothesis more strong, trying out more types of
independent variable would be a good way.
Try out kiwis from different brands, maybe that could provide some interesting results when
comparing the brands.
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