Nicole Zajac Dr. Gupta Biology Lab March 15, 2017 Strawberry DNA Isolation Lab Abstract: Fragaria × ananassa is a commonly cultivated octoploid, meaning it contains eight replications of each type of chromosome. To acquire the DNA within the strawberries’ chromosomes, we conducted an experiment where the cell membrane of the strawberry was broken apart. First, we squished the strawberries and next we added a DNA extraction buffer. The use of the DNA extraction buffer was so the cell could lyse, resulting in the DNA being released into the solution. We then poured this solution through a paper towel lined funnel that transferred the liquid section of the solution into the test tube, leaving the excess residue within the paper towel lined funnel. …show more content…
Because strawberries are octoploids, meaning they have eight replications of each type of chromosome, and are easy to pulverize, fragaria x ananassa were decided to be utilized in this experiment. To extract the DNA from the strawberries, we utilized a DNA extraction buffer. This DNA extraction buffer composed of a salt and soap solution. The soap is able to disrupt the cell membrane due to the detergent molecules pulling apart the cell membrane, which occurs because both the membrane and the detergent molecules are amphipathic. The salt within the DNA extraction buffer was used to release the DNA by breaking protein chains that held the nucleic acids together. The addition of isopropyl alcohol caused the DNA to precipitate from the …show more content…
The fruit was squashed before completely being squashed. 10 ml DNA Extraction Buffer (soapy salty water) was added to the Ziploc ™ bag and was squished for a few more minutes. The creation of soap bubbles in the mixture was avoided. The mixture was filtered through a moistened paper towel that was set in a funnel. The liquid collects into the clear tube beneath the funnel. Three milliliters of this liquid was collected into the clear tube. Two volumes of ice cold isopropyl alcohol was poured carefully into the strawberry liquid in the tube so a separate layer is formed on top of the strawberry liquid. A transfer pipet was put in the tangle of DNA and was spun which caused for the DNA to wrap around the transfer pipet. The transfer pipet with the entwined DNA was removed and set aside onto a piece of saran wrap. The DNA was placed on a clean slide and we proceeded to gently tease apart using two dissecting pins. In this way, the fibers of DNA were easily viewed underneath a microscope. All data and notes were noted. The funnel was rinsed and dried while the Ziploc ™ bag and the paper towel were disposed of in the garbage. The lab area was then thoroughly