Experiment No: XX

DNA Extraction from Strawberries

1. OBJECTIVES:

1.1. The objective of this laboratory experiment is to extract DNA from strawberries using common household
items, demonstrating the basic principles of DNA extraction and introducing students to molecular biology techniques.

2. INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs):

The students shall be able to:

2.1. Learn how to extract DNA from strawberries using common biological techniques.

3. DISCUSSION:

In this laboratory experiment, the goal was to extract DNA from strawberries, a commonly available fruit. DNA
extraction is a fundamental procedure in molecular biology and genetics, providing insight into the structure and
composition of genetic material. Through this experiment, we aimed to gain hands-on experience in the process of DNA
extraction, understand the role of different reagents, and observe the physical appearance of extracted DNA.

The DNA extraction process involved several key steps: crushing strawberries, breaking down cell membranes, releasing
DNA, and precipitating DNA strands. The materials used included strawberries, detergent solution, salt solution,
isopropyl alcohol, and cold ethanol. Strawberries were mashed to disrupt cell walls and membranes, detergent was
added to break down cell membranes and release DNA, salt was introduced to promote DNA precipitation, and
isopropyl alcohol/ethanol was used to facilitate the visual detection of DNA.

4. MATERIALS:

Fresh strawberries (1-2 per student/group)

Ziplock plastic bags (1 per student/group)

DNA extraction buffer (see recipe below)

Meat tenderizer or pineapple juice (contains enzymes that break down cell walls)

Isopropyl alcohol (chilled in a freezer)

Coffee filters or cheesecloth

Salt (table salt or kosher salt)

Clear plastic cups or test tubes

Wooden sticks or skewers

Pipettes or droppers

Safety goggles and lab coats

Disposable gloves

5. PROCEDURE:

DNA Extraction Buffer (per 100 ml):

2 g Sodium chloride (table salt)

6 g Dishwashing detergent (without bleach or enzymes)

 100 ml Water

DNA Extraction Steps:

Prepare the DNA extraction buffer: a. Dissolve 2 g of sodium chloride (salt) in 100 ml of water. b. Add 6 g
of dishwashing detergent and mix gently until dissolved. Avoid creating bubbles.

Prepare strawberries: a. Rinse strawberries under cold water. b. Remove stems and leaves from the
strawberries. c. Place strawberries in a ziplock plastic bag and seal.

Mash the strawberries: a. Use a meat tenderizer or a wooden stick to mash the strawberries inside the
bag. This helps break down the cell walls and release the DNA.

Add DNA extraction buffer: a. Add 10 ml of the prepared DNA extraction buffer to the mashed
strawberries in the bag. b. Gently mix the contents of the bag for 5-10 minutes, making sure the detergent
breaks down the cell membranes.

Filter the mixture: a. Place a coffee filter or cheesecloth over a clear plastic cup or test tube. b. Carefully
pour the strawberry mixture through the filter, allowing the liquid to collect in the cup or test tube. The filter will
capture cell debris and other solids.

Precipitate the DNA: a. Chill a small volume of isopropyl alcohol in the freezer for about 20-30 minutes.
b. Carefully layer the chilled isopropyl alcohol on top of the strawberry mixture in the cup or test tube. You
should see white strands of DNA precipitating at the interface between the alcohol and the strawberry mixture.

Extract the DNA: a. Use a wooden stick or skewer to gently spool the DNA strands from the alcohol
layer. b. Transfer the DNA strands to a small container or petri dish filled with clean water.

Observe and analyze: a. Examine the extracted DNA strands using a magnifying glass or microscope (if
available). b. Discuss the appearance and characteristics of DNA strands. c. Introduce the concept of DNA as the
genetic material and discuss the relevance of DNA extraction in various fields, such as forensics, medicine, and
agriculture.

Cleanup: a. Dispose of waste materials according to local laboratory disposal guidelines. b. Clean all
equipment thoroughly.

6. DATA AND RESULTS:

6.1. What is the visual appearance of extracted DNA? Explain its characteristics.

6.2. Is there a correlation between the volume of detergent solution and the amount of DNA extracted?

6.3. How does the DNA yield compare when using different concentrations of salt in the extraction process?

7. QUESTIONS:

7.1. How does the physical breakdown of strawberry tissue contribute to the DNA extraction process?

7.2. Explain the role of detergent in the DNA extraction process. Why is detergent used?

7.3. How does the addition of salt (e.g., table salt) aid in DNA precipitation during extraction?

7.4. How could the DNA extraction procedure be modified or optimized for better results? What variables could
be manipulated?

7.5. Research and discuss any potential safety hazards associated with the chemicals and equipment used in the
DNA extraction process.
8. CONCLUSION:

9. ASSESSMENT (Rubric for Laboratory Performance):

Performa Unsatisfactor
Very Poor Poor Satisfactory Good Excellent Sco
nce y
1 2 4 5 6 re
Indicator 3

Develop The The students The students The students are able to The students The students
appropriat students are are able to are able to develop a basic are able to are able to
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experimen develop a develop component of laboratory experiment components of experiment/acti
tation basic components a laboratory (i.e. title, outcome, brief a laboratory vity appropriate
component of a experiment discussion of concepts, experiment to the chosen
of a laboratory but has no materials needed, appropriate to topic and
laboratory experiment. presentations procedures/ instructions, the chosen aligned to the
experiment. of analysis of data topic and engineering
data yet has results/analysis/interpreta aligned to the principles
presented tion, engineering learned in the
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Ability to The The students The students The students use The students The students
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conclusions.

Total Score

Percentage rating = (Total Score/30) x 100

Evaluated by:

_________________________________________ _____________________
Printed Name and Signature of Faculty Member Date