DNA Extraction

To study DNA and learn how our

genes function, scientists must
be able to work with DNA itself,
outside the protective walls of
the nucleus and cell membrane.
So researchers have learned to
separate (to isolate or extract) -
DNA from the proteins and other
substances in the cell.

Kristin Darden, Janelle

Moran, Deb Semmler
Before we get into this, though,
let’s do a bit of review.
What is DNA?
Deoxyribonucleic Acid

That’s a mouthful. Rather than going

through a long drawn out explanation, try
this Tour of the Basics to refresh your
memory.
So what would you use the isolated
DNA for?

Extraction of DNA is often an early step in

many diagnostic processes used to detect
bacteria and viruses in the environment as
well as diagnosing disease and genetic
disorders.
 That’s great, but I’m not a
geneticist. Why would I do this
process in my class?
‘Cuz DNA is cool to look at
with your students!
Okay, I’m listening- so what is DNA
Extraction?
Simply put, DNA
extraction is the
removal of
deoxyribonucleic acid
(DNA) from the cells
or viruses in which it
normally resides.
 So how do I extract the DNA?
Start by breaking the cells open to expose
the DNA within.

Then remove the nuclear membrane lipids

by adding a detergent.

Finally precipitate the DNA with an alcohol.

This step will also remove alcohol-soluble
salts.
Yeah, right- want to run that by me
again?
It’s not as difficult as it sounds.
Any age student can do it- from kindergarten
to AP Biology students.
It doesn’t require any fancy laboratory
equipment, if you don’t have it.
You can make it as simple or as complex as
you’d like.
Watch this to see how simple it can
be.

strawberry extraction
Now obviously, that was a bit too simple for
your intermediate classes, so here’s
another video that gives you an idea for
that.

Kiwi extraction demo