DNA Extraction Lab

  In this lab, we asked the question," how can DNA be separated fro cheek cells in order to study it?" We found that to extract the DNA from our cheeks, we had to create three parts, homogenization, lysis, and precipitation. To accomplish homogenization, we needed to retrieve the samples using a polar liquid. We used Gatorade, which became one with the DNA. We then used that mixture for lysis, which we added salt, then soap. This caused the DNA to be completely released into the mixture. We also used pineapple juice, which contains catabolic proteases, to further break down the proteins, the juice was used as an enzyme. Lastly, we added the wiping alcohol, which ended the precipitation stage, the DNA had finally been extracted. After we added the alcohol, the DNA started to float up to where the two liquids met, for the alcohol is nonpolar while the mixture was polar. The DNA was very small and had been dyed red by the Gatorade. Like what was taught in Unit 2, polar and nonpolar mixtures separate, so the DNA floated to the middle. We also learned in Unit 5 that DNA is nonpolar. This data supported our claim because the reason why the DNA was extracted was because the of DNA's polarity and how it reacts when mixed with polar liquids/solutions.

   While our hypothesis was supported by our data, there could have been errors made due to how my group and I had to in some ways create our own procedure by rearranging the steps, so that the experiment would work out. This could have affected the results because we may not have done the experiment correctly, which could have led to no data at all. Another error that may have been made was how we may have measured each/some of the liquids wrongly. We could have accidentally put in 11 drops instead of 10 drops which could have possibly led to the experiment not working out, and no DNA being extracted. These errors could have been avoided through having been given the instructions given at the beginning and that the measurements could have been more precise and that we could have been more cautious.

    This lab was done to demonstrate how homogenization, lysis, and precipitation could be used to extract the DNA from our cheeks. We used what we had learned from the previous vodcast about DNA and all the prior knowledge we had accumulated over the past units to form an experiment and extract our own DNA. From this lab, I learned about the properties of DNA. I also learned about how scientist extract/ absorb DNA. Based on my experience from this lab,  I better understand how the properties of DNA, such as polarity, affect it.