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Activity # 5: DNA Extraction

Objectives:
At the end of this activity, students will be able to
a. Extract DNA from banana cells.
Introduction:
Deoxyribonucleic acid otherwise known as DNA is an extremely long macromolecules
that is the main component of chromosomes and is the material that transfers genetic
characteristics in all life forms. DNA provides a blueprint for an organism’s growth and
development.
Problem: What do you have in common with a banana?
Materials:
Two clear glasses/cups
Sealable plastic bags/Ziploc bag
Banana
Knife and teaspoon
Plate/Chopping board
Measuring cup
Colander/Sieve/Tea Strainer
Coffee filter/dish cloth/paper towel
Black paper/card/black t-shirt/black jumper
Vodka/surgical spirit/rubbing alcohol (keep in freezer)’
4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons washing up liquid
Warm water
Skewer

Procedure
1. Chop up the banana – place the banana onto a plate or chopping board. Use the knife to
chop it up.
2. Put the banana into a bag – place the banana pieces into a sealable plastic bag.
3. Squash the banana – close the bag and gently squash the banana until smooth.
4. Add salt to warm water – fill the glass half full with warm water. Add the salt, then stir
with a teaspoon until dissolved.
5. Add up washing liquid – Add washing up liquid to the glass and stir.
6. Pour into the bag – pour into the bag. Close the bag and squash gently for 10 minutes.
 7. Sieve – put the sieve on top of the jug. Place the coffee filter in the sieve and pour the
contents of the bag into it. Let the liquid drain through. This can take a while.
8. Pour the drained liquid into a glass – Place on top of the black card or background.
9. Carefully add the alcohol.
10. Pick out the DNA – you can use a skewer to pick out the DNA.

Questions:
1. Describe the appearance of the DNA you extracted.

2. Summarize the main steps involved in extracting DNA from bananas.

3. What was the purpose of mashing up the banana?

4. What does the filter do?

5. Do you think your results would be different if you were to use a fruit or vegetable other
than bananas? Would the DNA look the same? Explain.
6. Why do you think we used instead of another type of fruit or vegetable?

7. A person cannot see a single cotton thread four classrooms away. But if you wound (tied)
thousands of threads together into a rope, it would be visible at the distance. How is this
statement an analogy to our DNA extraction of the banana?

8. Remember that genes are found on chromosomes and genes control traits. Give at least
two examples of traits that are expressed in the banana.