Strawberry DNA Extraction

Students will be able to understand what DNA is, including its purpose, its importance and the information we can get from a single DNA.

Materials:

Time Needed: 60 minutes

I Do: 10 Minutes

Create a presentation that introduces DNA
- What is it?
- What does it look like?
- Why is it important for our bodies?
- What information does DNA give us?

We Do: 40 Minutes

Hands-on lab about extracting DNA from strawberries

Pull off any green leaves on the strawberry
Put the strawberries into a plastic bag, seal it, and gently smash the strawberries for two minutes so that the cells open up and release DNA
Mix 2 TEASPOONS of detergent, 1 TEASPOON of salt, and ½ CUP of water in a plastic cup (DNA extraction liquid)
Pour the liquid into the bag so further break open the cells
Reseal the bag and gently smash for another minute. Avoid making too many soap bubbles
Place the coffee filter inside the other plastic cup
Open the bag and pour the strawberry liquid into the filter. Twist the filter just above the liquid and gently squeeze the remaining liquid into the cup
Pour an equal amount of rubbing alcohol as there is strawberry liquid down the side of the cup. DO NOT MIX OR STIR.
Watch for a white cloudy substance (DNA) to develop in the top layer
Tilt the cup and pick up the DNA using a coffee stirrer

You Do: 10 Minutes