DNA Extraction
The eleventh grade went to the Biology lab on Tuesday, September 17th. While there, we performed the DNA extraction of strawberry cells. We will explain the process in more detail later on but, first of all, what is DNA?
DNA is a macromolecule that is in the nucleus of our cells (eukaryotic cells). It is composed of two chains of smaller units called nucleotides. This unit presents a simple sugar, a phosphate group, and one nitrogenous base (Adenine-Thymine-Guanine-Cytosine). The main function of the DNA is to store and transmit genetic information. This genetic code, the recipe to produce all proteins, is universal and written in the DNA of all living things.
To start the procedure, we were instructed by our Biology teacher, Ms. Raquel Braga, to carefully cut up the strawberries into the smallest pieces we could. Then, we began grinding and smashing the pieces of fruit. After that, we added detergent, salt, hot water and mixed the strawberry juice. The following step was extremely important: we carefully added alcohol to the mixture. Because of the presence of the alcohol, we were able to visualize the DNA without the microscope. Thousands of molecules were floating in our mixture. It was a white, viscous substance, which looked like a ball of cotton.
This lab activity was very interesting and fun to perform for the both of us. After having various classes on the subject and being able to grasp and understand what was taught, this assignment could only benefit us. It is a simple, yet exciting experiment that anyone can do at home.
We highly recommend it and hope you enjoy it as much as we did!
John Cilenti &Valeria Cordeiro ('15)
Ms. Raquel Braga
