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Copy of Activity:Biotech Biotechnology_ DNA Extraction and Electrophore

The document outlines the process of DNA extraction and gel electrophoresis, detailing steps such as collecting cheek cells, using lysis solutions, and isolating DNA. It explains the purpose of gel electrophoresis in sorting DNA strands by length and provides a step-by-step guide for conducting the experiment. Additionally, it includes definitions of key terms related to the procedures.

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22 views3 pages

Copy of Activity:Biotech Biotechnology_ DNA Extraction and Electrophore

The document outlines the process of DNA extraction and gel electrophoresis, detailing steps such as collecting cheek cells, using lysis solutions, and isolating DNA. It explains the purpose of gel electrophoresis in sorting DNA strands by length and provides a step-by-step guide for conducting the experiment. Additionally, it includes definitions of key terms related to the procedures.

Uploaded by

2212325
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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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Biotechnology: DNA Extraction and Electrophoresis

Go to the tab for "Virtual Labs" at Genetic Science Learning Center. Look for science tools and
Click on virtual labs. You will complete DNA extraction and the Gel Electrophoresis. Complete
this worksheet as you walk through the steps of the labs.

LINK: http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/ DNA Extraction

1. List three reasons for extracting DNA from a human subject:

1) Testing a newborn for a genetic disease


2) Analyzing forensic evidence
3) Studying genes involved in cancer
2. Where is DNA found in the cell? The nucleus
3. From where do we obtain the cells of our test subject? The cheek
4. List the four steps needed to extract DNA:
1) Collect cheek cells
2) Burst cells open to collect DNA
3) Separate DNA from proteins and disease
4) Isolate concentrated DNA
5. The lysis solution contains detergent, what will this do to the cell? It disrupts the cell
membrane and nuclear envelope, causing the cells to burst open and release their DNA.
It also contains proteinase K, what does this do to the cell? It cuts apart histones to release
DNA.
6. What does the salt do to the cellular mixture? It causes proteins and other cellular debris to
clump together.
7. Why do you need to place a second tube into the centrifuge? To balance it
After the tube is removed from the centrifuge, what equipment is used to remove the top liquid
from the tube? Micropipetter

What is in this liquid? The DNA

8. Isopropyl alcohol causes DNA to do what? It causes it to clump together and become visible

Gel Electrophoresis
1. Gel electrophoresis is used to sort DNA strands according to their lengths
Where do you place the DNA samples on the gel? Holes in one end.
What makes the DNA move? Electrophoresis (adding an electrical current)
Short strands move faster than longer strands.
2. Place the steps in the correct order (number them)
____3__ Load DNA sample into the gel
___5___ Stain the Gel and analyze results
___1___ Make the gel
___4___ Hook up the electrical current
___2___ Set up gel apparatus
3. In the "Gel Electrophoresis Laboratory", follow the steps to make your own gel, answer the
questions as you go.
a) What is agarose made from? Seaweed
b) Melted agarose is poured into a mold.
c) What is the purpose of the comb? To make the holes where the DNA goes.
d) The black end generates a negative charge, the red end a positive charge.
e) The bubbles in the electrophoresis indicate what? The current is running.

f) Staining the DNA will make it show up under a flourescent light.

g) What are your estimates for the number of base pairs in the three bands? 6000, 3500, and
1500

Helpful definitions:

Extract --- remove or take out, especially by effort or force.

Obtain --- get, acquire, or secure (something).

Centrifuge --- a machine with a rapidly rotating container that applies centrifugal force
to its contents, typically to separate fluids of different densities (e.g. cream from milk)
or liquids from solids.

Centrifugal force --- an apparent force that acts outward on a body moving around a
center, arising from the body's inertia.

Inertia --- resistance to change in some other physical property; a tendency to do


nothing or to remain unchanged.
Electrophoresis --- the movement of charged particles in a fluid or gel under the
influence of an electric field.

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