DNA Isolation Lab Flashcards

DNA extraction

the process of isolating, purifying, and releasing DNA from within cell nuclei, breaking down membranes, and removing proteins to make the genetic material available for analysis

Why do we use soap and salt during DNA extraction?

Soap creates a hypotonic solution that bursts the lipid bilayer, whilst salt breaks down to proteins by disrupting their ionic and hydrogen bonds

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

a technique to make many copies of a specific DNA region in vitro (in a test tube rather than an organism). It quickly amplifies DNA from small amounts in order to be analyzed

What must we do during PCR?

Begin by heating DNA to 94 degrees celsius to break hydrogen bonds and separate template strands. Next, add in primers, nucleotides, and thermophilic polymerase into the test tube. The primers bind to the template, and once we reduce the heat to 60 degrees celsius, hydrogen bonds bind to the primers

DNA Polymerase

binds and makes new strands of DNA. Here, we reduce the temp down to 78 degrees celsius

Gel electrophoresis

a technique used to separate DNA fragments according to their size and charge. Heterozygous genes show two different bands/sizes on their ladder, while homozygous genes show only one band