Strawberry DNA Extraction

Materials Needed

  • Strawberry DNA Extraction Materials:

    • 1 strawberry

    • 1 ziplock bag

    • 2 small beakers

    • 1 plastic funnel

    • 1 square of cheesecloth

    • Tube rack

    • 1 50 milliliter plastic tube

    • 5 milliliters of alcohol (70% isopropyl)

    • Pipette

    • 1 small tube with a cap or lid

    • 20 milliliters of extraction solution

Extraction Solution

  • Ingredients:

    • 900 milliliters of water

    • 100 milliliters of shampoo

    • 2 teaspoons of salt

  • Preparation:

    • Mix the above ingredients to create enough extraction solution for the entire class.

Step-by-Step Procedure

  1. Prepare the Strawberry:

    • Place the strawberry into the ziplock bag.

  2. Add Extraction Solution:

    • Pour 20 milliliters of the prepared extraction solution into the ziplock bag.

    • Seal the bag, ensuring to remove as much air as possible.

  3. Mash the Strawberry:

    • Use your hands to gently mash the strawberry in the solution for 5 minutes.

  4. Set Up for Filtration:

    • Place a funnel into the 50 milliliter plastic tube.

    • Lay a piece of cheesecloth inside the funnel.

  5. Filter the Mixture:

    • Open the ziplock bag and pour the strawberry-extraction mixture through the cheesecloth into the funnel.

    • Gently squeeze the cheesecloth to extract more liquid.

    • Discard the cheesecloth and remove the funnel after the liquid has fully passed through.

  6. Add Isopropyl Alcohol:

    • Pour 5 milliliters of 70% isopropyl alcohol into the tube containing the liquid.

    • Hold the tube at eye level to observe the reaction.

Observation and Extraction of DNA

  • Appearance of DNA Precipitate:

    • DNA precipitate will appear as fine white strands resembling cotton fibers or spider webs.

  • Collecting DNA:

    • Use the pipette to remove the visible DNA strands from the tube.

    • Observe its texture and appearance.

    • Optionally, place it into another tube for storage.