Have you ever wondered what makes you? Well, the answer lies within a microscopic molecule called DNA! DNA is the genetic blueprint that carries the instructions for your entire being. Have you ever dreamed of peering into those building blocks of life and pulling out this instruction manual from living cells? Now you can, with a thrilling DIY experiment: Let us do DNA extraction!
While it sounds complicated, this experiment is surprisingly accessible and requires only common household items.
Ingredients
2 fresh strawberries without the green leaves
Ziploc bag
2 teaspoons dish soap
1 teaspoon salt
½ cup water
1 coffee filter
½ cup cold rubbing alcohol
2 clear cups
1 coffee stirrer
Instructions
- Smash it out: Place the strawberries in the bag and gently mash them with your fingers. This opens the cells, releasing the DNA.
- The Magic Potion: Combine dish soap, salt, and water in a separate container. This solution helps dissolve cell membranes and separate the DNA.
- Strawberry Soup: Add the magic potion to the mashed strawberries and mix well. Gently massage and avoid making bubbles.
- Straining the Evidence: Place the coffee filter over the other clean cup and pour the strawberry mix through it. This filters out the pulp and other cellular debris.
- DNA Precipitation: Carefully add an equal amount of rubbing alcohol to the filtered liquid, and gently swirl the liquid. You will notice a cloudy white substance forming – that is the DNA!
- DNA Fishing: Gently swirl the cup and dip a coffee stirrer into the cloudy layer. You have just fished out DNA!
Mission Accomplished!
You have successfully extracted DNA! Though you cannot see the individual strands with the naked eye, you have isolated the very essence of life from a simple strawberry. This experiment offers a glimpse into the power of scientific exploration.
Tips
- Use ripe strawberries for better results.
- Work gently to avoid breaking the DNA strands.
- Keep the temperature cool throughout the process.
References
genome.gov
Image: Stable Diffusion