DNA Extraction Laboratory Report

Abstract

In this DNA extraction experiment, the aim was to extract DNA from strawberries and bananas using an extraction buffer. The extraction buffer was prepared by mixing 100 ml of shampoo (without conditioner) with 15 g of NaCl and 900 ml of water. The procedure involved mashing the fruit, adding the extraction buffer, filtering the solution, and precipitating the DNA with ice-cold alcohol. The results showed a significant difference in the amount of precipitated DNA between strawberries and bananas, indicating more DNA was extracted from strawberries.

Introduction

DNA extraction is a fundamental process in molecular biology and genetics research. It involves isolating DNA from cells to study its structure and function. This experiment aimed to extract DNA from two different fruits, strawberries and bananas, using a simple and cost-effective method. The extraction process involved breaking down cell walls, disrupting cells, and precipitating DNA.

Materials and Methods

The following materials were used in the experiment:

• Strawberries
• Bananas
• Zip lock bags
• Extraction buffer (prepared by mixing 100 ml of shampoo without conditioner, 15 g of NaCl, and 900 ml of water)
• Coffee filter
• Beaker
• Test tubes
• Ice-cold alcohol
• Wooden coffee stirrer

The experiment was conducted in the following steps:

1. Place the strawberry or banana in a zip lock bag and smash it for 2 minutes.
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   Additional water was added to the banana bag as it did not produce enough juice.

2. Add 10 ml of the extraction buffer to the bag and mix it with the smashed fruit for 1 minute to disrupt cell walls and extract cellular material.
3. Create a funnel with the coffee filter and place it on top of the beaker to filter the solution, removing seeds and cell debris.
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4. Transfer the filtrate (filtered solution) into a test tube, filling it approximately 1/8 full.
5. Pour ice-cold alcohol into the test tube until it reaches half full. The DNA will precipitate out of the solution.
6. Observe the distinct layers in the test tube: the cell solution at the bottom, clear alcohol in the middle, and the precipitated DNA as a mucous-like substance in the alcohol.
7. Use a wooden coffee stirrer to spool the DNA out of the solution.

Data Analysis

The results of the experiment showed a noticeable difference in the amount of precipitated DNA between strawberries and bananas. The strawberry test tube contained a significantly higher amount of DNA compared to the banana test tube. This difference could be attributed to the volume of solution present in each bag after smashing the fruit. It is evident that more DNA was extracted from strawberry cells than from banana cells.

Discussion

The DNA extraction experiment successfully demonstrated the isolation of DNA from strawberries and bananas using an extraction buffer. The extraction buffer played a crucial role in breaking down cell walls and disrupting cells, allowing the release of cellular material, including DNA. The use of a coffee filter helped filter out seeds and cell debris, leaving behind DNA in the filtrate.

The difference in the amount of precipitated DNA between strawberries and bananas can be explained by the variation in the cell structures and DNA content of these fruits. Strawberries may have a higher DNA content or more accessible DNA due to their cellular composition, resulting in a larger yield of extracted DNA. Bananas, on the other hand, may have less DNA or a more complex cellular structure that hinders DNA extraction.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the DNA extraction experiment successfully extracted DNA from strawberries and bananas using an extraction buffer. The results indicated a significant difference in the amount of precipitated DNA, with strawberries yielding a higher amount compared to bananas. This experiment provides valuable insights into DNA extraction techniques and highlights the variability in DNA content among different biological samples.

Recommendations

Further experiments can explore the factors influencing DNA extraction efficiency, such as variations in extraction buffers, fruit types, and cell disruption methods. Additionally, the extracted DNA can be further analyzed and used for various molecular biology applications, contributing to a deeper understanding of genetics and biotechnology.