NAGA, EILEEN C.

ISOLATION OF DNA

This simple activity provides the student the experience of isolating one’s own DNA
through the use of simple and ordinary household and kitchen wares.

OBJECTIVE:

To isolate one’s own DNA and from other sources

MATERIALS:

3 plastic cups

3 disposable tablespoons and teaspoons

70-95% rubbing (isopropyl or ethyl) alcohol

Dishwashing liquid

Table salt

Wooden stick

Other source of DNA ( beans, fruits or vegetables)

Source of enzymes such as meat tenderizer, fresh pineapple or green papaya

Test tubes or small glass containers,

Blender and water

METHODS:

A. Isolate your own DNA

1. In a cup, mix six (6) tablespoons of water with one (1) teaspoon of table salt.

2. In a second cup, mix three (3) tablespoons of water with 1 tablespoon of liquid soap.

SCI. ED. 201 INTRODUCTION TO MODERN TECHNOLOGY EVTOTAAN 7/11/20

 3. Take one (1) teaspoon of salt solution from the first container and swirl in your mouth
for 30 seconds.

4. Spin the salt water and whatever in your mouth on the third cup.

5. Transfer about one half teaspoon of your spit into a test tube. Add one (1) teaspoon
of the soap solution into the test tube. Mix by gently for one minute.

6. After swirling, pour around three (3) tablespoons of rubbing alcohol gently to the side
of the tube without mixing.

7. Let it stand for a while. You could see a cloud of bubbles at the bottom of the alcohol
layer, with it, is a transparent to whitish strand, and DNA.

B. Isolate DNA from other sources (mungbean or any fruits and vegetabales)

1. Soak mungbean in water to make them soft. Remove hulls and excess water.

Put in blender the following: soft mungbean, about 1 mL of table salt, and twice as
much cold water as DNA source (about 200 mL).

Blend on high for about 15 sec.

Strain mungbean soup into another container.

Add liquid detergent, about 1/6 of the total volume or about 30 mL. Swirl to
mix. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes.

Pour into test tube or small glass container to about 1/3 full.

2. Add a pinch of enzyme. Stir gently.

3. Tilt test tube. Slowly pour rubbing alcohol down the side so that it forms a layer. Pour
enough alcohol so that its volume is the same as the mungbean mixture.

4. With a wooden stick, draw DNA into the alcohol layer.

C. Give a detailed discussion on the result obtained and attached documentation.

QUESTIONS:

1. Why do you add detergent?

SCI. ED. 201 INTRODUCTION TO MODERN TECHNOLOGY EVTOTAAN 7/11/20

 There is a need to add the detergent because it degrades the membrane
phospholipids and proteins, releasing the DNA.

2. Why are you adding the enzyme?

Enzymes are biological catalysts that play a role in the isolation of nucleic acids
from tissue and microbial sample types. Enzymes enable cellular and organelle
disruption and for the removal of contaminating proteins.

3. Why are you adding alcohol?

There is a need to add the alcohol because the DNA will precipitate into the upper
layer of the alcohol.

CONCLUSION:

Isolating my own DNA and onion’s DNA was successful. I can apply this inside the
classroom where the students can have a first-hand experience of Isolating DNA . It
amazes me, I’m sure, the students will be amazed too. In isolating DNA, the detergent
made it possible by breaking down the membrane of tissue or cells and allows for
release of nucleic acids from the nucleus. The enzymes digest proteins and results in
the breakdown of cells and dissolving of membranes, thus releasing the DNA. The
alcohol also played an important role because the DNA will precipitate into the upper
layer of the alcohol.

REFERENCES:

Solution Pharmacy (2017). Isolation of DNA from Onion. Retrieved From https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=MBTxC89tniY

Esparro, B,. Shari G., & James Atwood III (2016). Are Enzymes Required for the Extraction and Isolation
of DNA in Conjunction with Mechanical Homogenization. https://www.omni-
inc.com/downloads/dl/file/id/90/product/0/enzyme_requirements_for_genomic_dna_extraction_from
_tissues_and_cells.pdf

SCI. ED. 201 INTRODUCTION TO MODERN TECHNOLOGY EVTOTAAN 7/11/20

 DOCUMENTATION

MATERIALS MY OWN DNA

NEEDED

ONION’S DNA

SCI. ED. 201 INTRODUCTION TO MODERN TECHNOLOGY EVTOTAAN 7/11/20