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19 views

Laboratory-Exercise-No.-9-DNA-Extraction

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nikkialquino28
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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CC 103 – BIOCHEMISTRY FOR MLS

College of Liberal Arts, Sciences and Education


Prepared by: Dennis M. Dimaranan, PhD

LABORATORY EXERCISE NO. 9


DNA EXTRACTION FROM STRAWBERRIES

PRE-LAB CONCEPTS
DNA extraction is a fundamental process in molecular biology used to isolate DNA from cells for various
applications, such as genetic testing, medical diagnostics, forensic analysis, and research. DNA, or
deoxyribonucleic acid, is the genetic material that carries instructions for an organism’s development and
function, found in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells or cytoplasm of prokaryotic cells. The extraction process
involves breaking open the cell membrane and nuclear envelope (cell lysis) using detergents, removing
proteins and other cellular debris with salt, and precipitating the DNA with alcohol, as it is insoluble in alcohol.
Each reagent in the protocol has a specific function: detergent disrupts the lipid bilayer, salt stabilizes and
neutralizes DNA, and alcohol facilitates its precipitation. Different sample types, such as plants, animals, or
human saliva, may require slight procedural modifications to optimize DNA yield and purity. Proper lab safety
and ethical considerations, like obtaining consent for human samples and ensuring the confidentiality of
genetic data, are essential. Understanding these concepts ensures a successful DNA extraction and highlights
the relevance of this technique in biotechnology.

Objective
To isolate and observe DNA from strawberries using common laboratory techniques.

Materials
• Fresh strawberries (2-3 medium-sized)
• Ziploc bag
• Dish soap or liquid detergent
• Salt (NaCl)
• Cold isopropyl alcohol or ethanol (99% or higher)
• Water
• Coffee filter or cheesecloth
• Beaker or small glass container
• Wooden skewer or toothpick
• Measuring cups and spoons

Procedure
1. Preparation of Extraction Solution:
 Mix 10 mL of dish soap, 1 gram of salt, and 100 mL of water in a beaker. Stir until the salt dissolves.
 The soap helps break down cell membranes, and the salt aids in separating DNA from proteins.

Page 1 of 2
CC 103 – BIOCHEMISTRY FOR MLS
College of Liberal Arts, Sciences and Education
Prepared by: Dennis M. Dimaranan, PhD

2. Strawberry Preparation:
 Remove the green leaves from the strawberries. Place the strawberries in a Ziploc bag.
 Seal the bag and mash the strawberries thoroughly for about 2 minutes to break open the cells.
3. Mixing with Extraction Solution:
 Add 10 mL of the extraction solution to the bag.
 Mash and mix for another minute to ensure the solution interacts with the cells.
4. Filtration:
 Place a coffee filter or cheesecloth over a beaker. Pour the strawberry mixture through the filter to
separate the liquid from the solid debris.
 Collect the filtered liquid in the beaker; this contains the DNA and other cellular components.
5. Precipitation of DNA:
 Slowly pour an equal amount of cold isopropyl alcohol down the side of the beaker, forming a layer
above the strawberry liquid.
 DNA is insoluble in alcohol and will precipitate out.
6. Observation:
 Wait for 2-3 minutes. A white, stringy substance will form between the alcohol and the strawberry
extract layers. This is DNA.
 Use a wooden skewer or toothpick to gently spool (collect) the DNA.

Observations
Record the appearance of the DNA (color, texture, amount). Note the clarity of the alcohol layer and the
success of the filtration process.

Analysis
• Explain the role of each component (dish soap, salt, alcohol) in the DNA extraction process.
• Discuss how this experiment could be modified for other fruits or cells.

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