How much DNA is extracted from strawberries?
Each little piece of a living thing, known as a cell, has DNA in it. In humans each of these cells have 2 copies of the DNA, but in strawberries each of these have 8 copies of the DNA (scientists call this octoploid). That means strawberries have 4 times as many copies of DNA as humans, making it 4 times easier to see!
Is extracted strawberry DNA pure?
This white stringy stuff is actually strawberry DNA – the molecule that stores the information of life in all cells. This DNA won’t be particularly pure, as it will have a lot of cell proteins attached to it. If you want, you can squirt some ‘protein removal’ contact lens solution into the DNA extraction solution.
Why do you get so much DNA when you extract strawberries?
Ripe strawberries are an excellent source for extracting DNA because they are easy to pulverize and contain enzymes called pectinases and cellulases that help to break down cell walls. And most important, strawberries have eight copies of each chromosome (they are octoploid), so there is a lot of DNA to isolate.
What does DNA look like when extracted from a strawberry?
Observe the line between the strawberry mixture and the alcohol. You will notice a white thread-like cloud appearing at this line. This is strawberry DNA. The DNA will clump together and float to the top of the alcohol layer.
What items do you need to extract DNA from a strawberry?
Experiment Materials
- Strawberry.
- Isopropyl alcohol (5 mL)
- Dish soap (10 mL)
- Salt (1/4 tsp)
- Zipper-lock bag.
- Strainer.
- Water (90 mL)
- Measuring cups and spoons.
What do you need to extract DNA from a strawberry?
In a plastic cup, make your DNA extraction liquid: mix together 2 teaspoons of detergent, 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 cup of water. Next, pour down the side of the cup an equal amount of cold rubbing alcohol as there is strawberry liquid. Do not mix or stir.
What is the best fruit to extract DNA from?
Experiment to purify DNA from fruit Bananas, kiwis and strawberries all work well. (Remove the skin of the bananas and kiwi, we just want the insides!) Step 2: In a separate bowl, mix the washing up liquid, salt and tap water. Stir gently trying to avoid making too many bubbles in the mixture.
Why is cold isopropyl alcohol used in DNA extraction?
It’s important to use cold alcohol because it allows a larger amount of DNA to be extracted. If the alcohol is too warm, it may cause the DNA to denature [bold], or break down. During centrifugation, the DNA condenses into a pellet.
Why do uneaten strawberries eventually rot?
Several types of fungus invade strawberry plants, including the fruit. This is more likely when the soil stays too moist, which encourages fungal growth. Botrytis fruit rot, for example, often sits dormant on your berries until they are nearly mature, and it makes the fruit squishy and fuzzy on the outside.
How do you remove DNA from a strawberry?
Place the coffee filter inside the other plastic cup. Put the strawberries into the plastic bag, seal it and gently smash it for about two minutes. Completely crush the strawberries. This starts to break open the cells and release the DNA.
How long does it take to extract DNA from a strawberry?
What fruits can you extract DNA from?
Foods like strawberries, bananas, kiwis, raspberries, and onions work particularly well in this lab. DNA can be isolated and extracted from other foods such as meats, other produce, and even processed foods such as corn chips and crackers.
How can you extract DNA from a strawberry?
HOW TO EXTRACT STRAWBERRY DNA. Chill the alcohol in the freezer. Remove the green stems from the strawberries and add to the bag. Squish the strawberries into a pulp. Add 1 tablespoon of dish soap , a teaspoon of salt, and 1/3 of a cup of water to the bag. Mix. Line the test tube with the coffee filter.
Why to use a strawberry for DNA extraction?
Ripe strawberries are an excellent source for extracting DNA because they are easy to pulverize and contain enzymes called pectinases and cellulases that help to break down cell walls. And most important, strawberries have eight copies of each chromosome (they are octoploid), so there is a lot of DNA to isolate.
Why is Strawberry DNA easier to extract?
While other fruits are soft and just as easy to pulverize, strawberries are the perfect choice for a DNA extraction lab for two reasons: they yield more DNA than any other fruits, and they are octoploid, meaning that they have eight copies of each type of DNA chromosome. These special circumstances make strawberry DNA easy to extract and see.
What is the DNA extraction of a strawberry?
DNA Extraction – Strawberry. Strawberries are octoploid, which means they have eight sets of chromosomes. The procedure for extracting DNA from a strawberry is simple, and the results are usually obvious, it is easy to see the white strands of DNA within the pink solution of strawberry juice.