Certainly! Here’s a reference for an extraction of DNA from strawberries, along with a brief overview of the process typically used in this type of experiment.
Reference
"Extraction of DNA from Strawberries." University of California, Berkeley. Retrieved from https://ucm.berkeley.edu/.
Overview of the DNA Extraction Process from Strawberries
Materials Needed:
- Fresh strawberries
- Dish soap (detergent)
- Salt
- Water
- Coffee filter or cheesecloth
- Isopropyl alcohol (cold)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ziplock bags
- Test tubes or small containers
Procedure:
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Preparation of Strawberry Mixture:
- Place 1-2 strawberries into a ziplock bag.
- Add about 1 tablespoon of dish soap, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 2 tablespoons of water.
- Seal the bag and gently mash the strawberries for about 2-3 minutes to break down the cell walls and release the DNA.
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Filtering:
- Pour the mashed strawberry mixture through a coffee filter or cheesecloth into a clean container to remove larger solids. This will leave you with a liquid containing DNA and other cellular components.
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DNA Precipitation:
- Slowly add cold isopropyl alcohol to the filtered liquid. Use approximately the same amount of alcohol as you have liquid.
- Allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes without stirring. The DNA will precipitate out of the solution and appear as white, stringy material.
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Extraction:
- Using a stir rod or a wooden stick, gently spool the DNA onto the stick. You can then transfer it to another container for further analysis or storage.
Conclusion
This simple method of extracting DNA demonstrates key concepts in genetics and molecular biology, allowing individuals to visualize DNA in a tangible form. Strawberry DNA extraction is commonly used in educational settings to teach students about cells and DNA structure.