Biology

09. Simple extraction of DNA from living material

  • 00:32 Why do you have to break up the strawberry cells?
  • 00:44 Which cell structure is most damaged by the detergent?
  • 01:02 Why do you need to filter the bag contents?
  • 01:39 Does your sample contain nucleic acids?

  • 1 resealable plastic bag

  • 1 strawberry

  • 10 cm3 of washing up liquid (detergent)

  • 1 g of salt

  • 100 cm3 water

  • 2 x 250 cm3 beakers (one beaker will be used for the filtering apparatus below)

  • filtering apparatus: coffee filter paper and beaker

  • ice cold 90% alcohol

  • 1 ice lolly stick or plastic coffee stirrer

  • acetic-orcein stain

  • protective/latex gloves

Hazard Risk Control measure

Acetic-orcein stain - Irritant to eyes and skin

Contact with eyes and skin

Eye: flood with tap water (10min)

Skin: drench with water.

Flood with tap water (10min)

Avoid inhaling vapour.

90% Alcohol - Highly flammable liquid and vapour

Ignites

Ensure no naked flames or other sources of ignition.

DNA extraction liquid / Detergent - Irritant to eyes

Contact with eyes and skin

Eye: flood with tap water (10min)

Skin: drench with water.

Flood with tap water (10min)