In science, we have been looking at DNA, what it is, where we find it, and other stuff. We did an experiment to look more closely at DNA with strawberries.
Aim: Extracting DNA from strawberries
Method:
- Mash some strawberries in a zip-lock bag with a splash of water and a small teaspoon of salt.
- Strain the solution through a cloth into a beaker.
- Add a squirt of dishwashing liquid and stir.
- Pour into a test tube.
- Place the test tube in a beaker filled with WARM water.
- Leave for 10 mins.
- Use a pipette to slowly pour 5mL ethanol down the inside of the test tube.
Results:
Discussion:
- Where do you find DNA? Nearly every cell in a person’s body has the same DNA. Most DNA is located in the cell nucleus
- What makes up DNA? DNA is a molecule constructed from repeating units called nucleotides. Nucleotides are made out of 3 things first, the phosphate, the suger and the base. The base is made out of Adenine, Thymine, Cutosine and Guanine. This is what forms a double helix structure
- How much DNA do humans share with a strawberry? Humans share approximately 60% of their DNA with a strawberry
- Two things you learnt from this experiment. Even though DNA is really small, it can be hard to see, but you can do some experiments to see it. And it is really cool to see how different fruits react differently to the experiment.
- Three real-life uses of DNA extraction. to identify people in systems like what polices use to catch criminals. So you can see more about genetics. And it is really cool.
Conclusion: Did it work? Would you do anything differently?
It worked really well; my group got to see the DNA. I would use either a bigger test tube or put fewer of the strawberries into it so it can heat up all the way through.