Rita Patel BISC 207-023

Introduction
DNA molecules are long slender molecules that carry the genetic information of
organisms, shaping future progeny1. Due to its microscopic size, it is impossible to
see a DNA molecule with the naked eye. However, when subjected to certain
conditions, it is possible to determine amounts of DNA and make it distinguishable.
This is done by using an extraction method which isolates the DNA from other cell
components.

The purpose of this lab was to the isolate the DNA samples from three different
species of plants in order to compare them. The different DNA samples will
have different concentrations due to the plant tissues having different cell
content. Comparing plant DNA is significant in studying plant genetics such as
genetically modified crops, creating plants with desirable traits 2.

Methods
Sample was collected from three species of plants being that of spinach,
romaine lettuce, and a patriot hosta.
Once equal amounts of each sample were collected, it was ground up in order
to break down the physical structure of the specimens.
An extraction buffer was added to the samples which lysed the cells in order
to help release DNA and prepare to precipitate it 3.
After the samples were centrifuged a supernatant was formed as the DNA
was released into the buffer solution leaving the other unnecessary
components of the cell behind in form of a pellet 4.
Isopropanol was added to the DNA because DNA is not soluble in alcohol,
whereas the other cell parts are. By adding alcohol, DNA was precipitated out
of the solution and formed into a pellet after it was centrifuged again 5.
The solution was decanted in order to isolate the pellet which was then dried
to remove all traces of the isopropanol. Once dried the pellet of DNA was
suspended in distilled water to rehydrate the DNA. The sample was then
placed in a heat block for 10 minutes.
Afterwards, the sample was placed in the spectrometer in order to measure
the concentration of each DNA sample in order to identify the differences
between the species of plants.

References:
1. Alberts B, Johnson A, Lewis J, et al. Molecular Biology of the Cell. 4th edition. New
York: Garland Science; 2002. Chapter 4, DNA and Chromosomes. Available from:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK21074/
2. Stern, Kingsley. Introductory Plant Biology. 11th. New York City: McGraw-Hill, 2008
3-5. Wuersig, R. (2016) Estimating the Concentration of a DNA Sample. In Audette,
D.; Hunt, S.; Martin B.; & Wuersig, R. (Eds.), Integrated BISC207/CHEM107
Laboratory and Studio Manual (pp. 35) Newark, Delaware: University of Delaware.