GENETICS LABORATORY

BASIC DNA EXTRACTION

LABORATORY OBJECTIVES:
At the end of this experiment, the students should be able to:
1. Learn the basic methodology in the extraction of DNA from plant and animal cells.
2. Distinguish the techniques in extracting DNA from plant and animal cells, and
3. Associate the extraction methods performed with the basic properties of DNA molecule.

MATERIALS:
 Ripe Banana
 Meat Tenderizer
 Dishwashing liquid
 Ice
 Filter paper
 Salt
 Test tubes
 Distilled water
 Mortar and Pestle
 250 – mL beaker
 100 – mL beaker
 Stopwatch
 90 % ethyl (should be ice cold)
 Stirring rod
 Ruler

PROCEDURE:
A. EXTRACTING DNA FROM PLANT CELLS
1. To 250 – mL distilled water, add a large pinch of meat tenderizer. Then add another
large pinch of salt. Mix until solids dissolve. Finally, add about half a teaspoon of
dishwashing liquid. Mix slowly so that the soap does not foam. This will serve as the
extraction solution.
2. Remove the skin of the banana. Then, chop it into smaller pieces and pulverize with
mortar and pestle.
3. Transfer the pulp to clean beaker, then add about 20mL of the extraction solution. It
should have a thick consistency. Adjust when necessary.
4. Stir the solution for about 30 – 60 seconds.
5. Filter the solution into another beaker. If the solution is too thick, add some more of
the extraction solution. Be careful that the solution does not get too watery.
 6. To filtrate, add about 30 mL of the ice cold ethyl. Observe for 5 minutes and not a
clumpy white precipitate. This is the DNA.
7. Use the wooden sticks to spool the strands. Have the DNA checked by your
instructor.

B. EXTRACTING HUMAN DNA

1. From one of the members of the group, collect enough saliva to fill a glass tube to
about one inch of its length.
2. Add one drop of soap to tube and mix well by tapping the bottom of the tube.
3. Add a pinch of meat tenderizer. Tap for 1 minute.
4. Add a pinch of salt. Tap for 1 minute.
5. Add 3’ full of cold ethyl alcohol and mix gently.
6. Spool your DNA with the wooden sticks. Have your instructor check the DNA.

QUESTIONS:
1. Give the detailed structure of the DNA molecule (with illustration).

2. How is the DNA organized in a eukaryotic cell?

3. Why is the DNA the genetic material? Give at least 4 reasons. Furthermore, cite an experiment
on how it was confirmed as the genetic material.