Teaching DNA Extractions from Fruits (Strawberry, Banana, Kiwi, and Watermelon)

Authors

Amadea Pourier, South Dakota State UniversityFollow
Dillon Nelson, South Dakota State UniversityFollow
Wiyaka Pomarleau, Institute of American Indian ArtsFollow
Kay Cutler, South Dakota State UniversityFollow
Madhav P. Nepal, South Dakota State UniversityFollow

Document Type

Curriculum Resource

Publication Version

Spring 2022

Publication Date

Spring 4-15-2022

Keywords

DNA Extraction, Biology Lesson, Central Dogma

Description

In this lesson, students will use a simple DNA extraction solution and isopropyl alcohol to extract DNA from strawberries, banana, kiwi, and watermelon. The extraction solution consists of dish detergent, water, and table salt. Grinding or crushing the soft fruit tissue will separate the cells. The dish detergent breaks down the membranes, exposing the DNA to the solution. The salt helps the DNA molecule to stick together from the proteins. The cold alcohol dissolves everything but the DNA, which forms an insoluble layer of the DNA allowing it to be visible.

Pages

8

Type

Teaching Module

Format

PDF

Language

English

Publisher

South Dakota State University

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 3.0 License

Recommended Citation

Amadea Pourier, Wiyaka Pomarleau, Dillon Nelson, Kay Cutler, and Madhav P Nepal. 2022. Teaching DNA Extractions from Fruits (Strawberry, Banana, Kiwi, and Watermelon). ILEARN Teaching Resources. 4 (1):61—68