DNA Extraction

1
DNA Extraction

• http//gslc.genetics.utah.edu/units/activities/ext
  raction/

2
MATERIALS

• Dried split peas
• Dishwashing detergent
• Isopropyl alcohol
• Meat tenderizer
• Small cup or beaker
• Spoon

3
Start with the peas
4
Blend the peas with water and a little salt until
you have pea soup
5
Why do we blend the peas?

• The blender separates the pea CELLS from each
  other

6
Put the strained pea soup in a cupAdd a squirt
of dishwashing detergent
7
Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes
8
What does the detergent do?

• Each pea cell is surrounded by a cell membrane
• DNA is in the nucleus of a cell, which is also
  surrounded by a membrane

9
The membranes must be broken open in order to get
the DNA out of the cell
10
Detergent

• Breaks apart membranes by attaching to the lipids
  (fats) proteins in the membranes

11
The cell and nuclear membranes have been broken
apart,as well as all of the organelle
membranes,such as those around the mitochondria
and chloroplasts.So what is left?

• Proteins
• Carbohydrates (sugars)
• DNA

12
Add a pinch of meat tenderizer to the mixture
13
Why?

• Meat tenderizer is an ENZYME
• A protein that helps chemical reactions happen
  more quickly
• The enzymes in meat tenderizer break apart
  proteins

14
The DNA in the nucleus is surrounded by proteins
15
The meat tenderizer cuts away the proteins from
the DNA
16
Stir very, very GENTLY!
17
Tilt your cup slowly pour a layer of alcohol on
top of the pea soup mixture

• DNA will float up into the alcohol from the pea
  soup