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DNA Practical Part 1 2025

This document outlines a practical task for Grade 12 Life Sciences students focused on DNA extraction from strawberries. It includes detailed instructions, materials needed, and a step-by-step procedure for conducting the experiment, as well as questions to assess understanding. A rubric for grading participation, following instructions, neatness, time management, results, and diagram accuracy is also provided.

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11 views

DNA Practical Part 1 2025

This document outlines a practical task for Grade 12 Life Sciences students focused on DNA extraction from strawberries. It includes detailed instructions, materials needed, and a step-by-step procedure for conducting the experiment, as well as questions to assess understanding. A rubric for grading participation, following instructions, neatness, time management, results, and diagram accuracy is also provided.

Uploaded by

mongwerisima8
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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LIFE SCIENCES GRADE 12 30


DNA: THE CODE OF LIFE
Practical 1: Term 1 2025
Name: ________________________________________
PART 1: Hands on Practical: DNA Extraction from a Strawberry
INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION
Read the following instructions carefully before answering the questions.
1. This is a formal SBA task and MUST be done under supervised conditions in the
classroom.
2. Part 1 - The DNA extraction practical must be done in groups, but each learner completes
the written part of the task on his/her own (under test conditions).
3. Part 2 – questions must be answered individually (under test conditions)
4. Present the answers as per the instructions of each question.
5. Draw all diagrams in pencil and label in blue ink.

QUESTION 1: DNA EXTRACTION


Aim: To extract and observe DNA from a strawberry using simple household materials.
Materials Needed
1. Fresh strawberries (1–2 per group)
2. Zip lock bags
3. Dishwashing liquid or liquid soap
4. Table salt
5. Cold ethanol or isopropyl alcohol (chilled in a freezer/in cooler bag with ice)
6. Water
7. Measuring spoons and cups
8. Fine mesh strainer / coffee filter
9. A beaker or clear glass
10. Stirring stick / wooden skewer / toothpicks.

Procedure/Method:
1. Preparation of Extraction Solution:
o Mix 2 teaspoons of dishwashing liquid, 1 teaspoon of table salt, and ½ cup of water
in a beaker. Stir gently to avoid forming bubbles.
2. Preparation of Strawberry Sample:
o Place the strawberry in a zip lock bag.
o Mash the strawberry thoroughly with your fingers until it forms a pulp.
3. Extracting the DNA:
o Add 2 tablespoons of the extraction solution to the mashed strawberry in the bag.
o Seal the bag and gently mix the contents for about a minute.
4. Filtering the Mixture:
o Place a coffee filter or fine mesh strainer over a beaker or glass.
o Pour the mixture through the filter to remove large particles. Collect the liquid in the
container.
5. Precipitating the DNA:
o Tilt the container slightly and slowly pour cold ethanol or isopropyl alcohol down the
side of the container to form a separate layer on top of the strawberry liquid. Use an
equal amount of alcohol as the liquid extract.
oDO NOT TILT or shake!
oWait for a few minutes.
6. Observing the DNA:
o Use a wooden skewer / stirring stick / toothpick to gently lift the DNA out of the
solution for observation.
Questions
1. What role does the extraction solution (soap and salt) play in the process?
______________________________________________________________________
2. Why is cold alcohol used in the experiment?
______________________________________________________________________
3. Draw the following apparatus used in the DNA extraction: ethanol, glass beaker with DNA,
and the extract solution.
DNA Extraction Practical Rubric (Out of 10 Marks) – Part 1
CRITERIA DESCRIPTION MARKS
Participation Don’t participate (0) / Participate in the group (1) /1
Follow instructions Can’t follow steps (0) / Follow steps with assistance (1) / /2
Follow steps accurately (2)
Neatness No clean-up (0) / Clean-up done (1) /1
Time management Did not complete the practical on time (0) / Complete the /1
practical on time (1)
Results No visible DNA (0) / Visible DNA extraction (1) /1
Questions Both answers incorrect (0) / One answer correct (1) / /2
Both answers correct (2)
Draw apparatus No diagrams drawn (0) / 2 diagrams drawn correctly (1) / /2
All 3 diagrams drawn correctly (2)
TOTAL (10)

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