General Biology 1

Summative Test 1 DNA Extraction

Extracting DNA from a fruit may sound like a challenging task, but it is not very difficult
at all. The process involves a few general steps: including mashing, filtration,
precipitation, and extraction. After performing this activity, answer what is required of
you and submit as scheduled.
Materials
Fruit (ex. Banana), Salt, Warm water, Liquid soap, Blender or mortar and pestle, Toothpicks,
Strainer, Glass bottle, Chilled Rubbing alcohol, Knife

Procedure
1. Using a knife, cut the fruit into tiny pieces. Doing so will increase surface area thereby
exposing more cells.
2. Place the fruit pieces in the blender (or mortar and pestle and grind), add a teaspoon of salt
and slowly add warm water to double the volume of the mixture. The salt will help the DNA
stay together during the mashing process. Blend or grind until solution is homogenized.
3. Pour the mixture into the glass jar through a strainer until half full. Make sure that the mixture
does NOT touch the sides of the glass so you can see changes on the upper part of the
solution.
4. Add 2 teaspoons of liquid soap and gently stir the mixture. You should try not to create
bubbles when stirring. Let it stand for 10 minutes.
5. Tilt the glass and very slowly pour the ice-cold ethanol down the side of the glass stopping
near the top. The alcohol should form a layer on top of the mixture (DO NOT MIX! The DNA
collects between the two layers!).
6. Wait for 5 minutes to allow the DNA to separate from the solution.

7. Use the toothpicks to extract the DNA that floats to the surface. It will be long and stringy.
Tips:
1. When pouring the alcohol, make sure that two separate layers are being formed (The
bottom layer being the fruit mixture and the top layer being the alcohol).
2. When extracting the DNA, twist the toothpick slowly. Be sure to only remove the DNA
from the top layer.
3. Try repeating this experiment again using other food such as an onion or chicken
liver.

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 General Biology 1

Summative Test 1 Output

Follow instructions given below. An answer sheet is provided at the end

of the module. Make sure that this output is submitted to your teacher
since this will be 25 points worth of activity.

A. Attach a picture of the final result of the experiment.

B. Circle the choice that best describes the statements or answers the
questions below. Multiple answers may apply.
1. What is the role of the salt (NaCl) in the DNA extraction procedure?
a. assists in the denaturation and removal of histone proteins and
exposes DNA
b. neutralizes the charges on the sugar- phosphate backbone of the
DNA molecule making the molecule less hydrophilic, and therefore
less soluble in water
c. enables the DNA to be precipitated from solution upon addition of
alcohol
d. changes the pH of the solution
e. destroys the integrity of the DNA and cuts it in smaller pieces so it
can be dissolved in water

2. What role does the dish washing soap play in the procedure?
a. Washes away dirt and other debris not needed in the experiment.
b. It disrupts the cell membrane phospholipids releasing membrane
proteins and liberating DNA into the solution.
c. Disinfects microorganisms to avoid contamination of the fruit DNA.
d. Soaps are made of fats that will bind to the cells of the fruit so that
they separate the cells from the others.

3. Why is alcohol used to separate the Chromosomes/DNA from the

solution?
a. DNA hydrophobic so they move towards the alcohol
b. Alcohol and water do not mix, thus making the DNA easily
separated.
c. Alcohol was chilled, DNA is attracted to low temperature.
d. DNA is not soluble in alcohol.