Experiment # 2: Extracting DNA From A Banana

Experiment # 2
NAME: _____________________________ DATE PERFORMED: ________________

GROUP NO: _________________________ DATE SUBMITTED: ________________
SECTION: __________________________ RATING: ________________________
Extracting DNA from a Banana
Most Essential Learning Competency: Discuss the application of recombinant DNA.
Objectives:
1. To follow directions and understand that basic chemicals (salts and detergents) can be used
to break down cells and cell parts and to make molecules stick to other molecules;
2. To understand cells and that they broke apart the cell membrane and the nuclear membrane
to reach the DNA;
3. To gain the basic skills on how to extract DNA; and
4. To grasp the importance of extracting DNA especially in the field of genetic engineering,
Introduction:
All living things, bananas and people included, pass on information from one generation to
the next using the same basic material, DNA. Within every living organism, most cells contain a
complete set of DNA instructions. The information in DNA tells our bodies how to develop, grow,
and work. It also controls many of the features that make an organism unique.
Materials:
● 1/2 peeled ripe banana (you can also use strawberries or other fruit)
● 1/2 cup hot water
● 1 tsp salt
● 1/2 tsp liquid dishwashing soap
● resealable Ziploc bag (quart size)
● very cold rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) placed in freezer ahead of time
● coffee filter/ filter paper
● narrow glass
● wooden stirrer
Procedures:
1. Mush the banana in the resealable bag for about a minute until all the lumps are gone and it
almost looks like pudding.
2. Fill a cup with the hot water and salt.
3. Pour the saltwater mix into the bag. Close the bag and very gently squeeze and move the
saltwater and banana mush together. Do this for 30 to 45 seconds.
4. Add the dishwashing soap into the bag and gently mix the contents. Try to avoid making too
much foam.
5. Place the coffee filter in a clear glass cup, securing the top of the filter around the lip of the
cup.
6. Pour the mix into the filter and let it sit until all of the liquid drips down into the cup.
7. Remove and discard the used coffee filter/filter paper.
8. Tilt the glass and slowly add cold alcohol down the side of the cup. You want the alcohol to
form a layer on top of the banana mix, staying separated, so be careful not to pour it too fast.
Make a layer of alcohol that is 2.5-5cm (1-2in) thick.
9. After the alcohol layer is set up, wait for eight minutes. You may see some bubbles and
cloudy material moving around in the alcohol. This is the DNA pieces clumping together.
10. Use the wooden stirrer to start poking the cloudy stuff in the alcohol layer. Spin the stirrer it
in place to start gathering the cloudy stuff. When you are done, take a closer look at the stuff
on the stirrer. You are looking at DNA.
Questions:
1. What did the DNA look like?
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2. Why is banana good for DNA extraction?

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3. Why is cold alcohol used in DNA extraction?

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4. What is the aim of DNA extraction experiment?

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5. What is the main function of DNA?

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Conclusion:
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Documentations: (NOTE: EACH PROCEDURE MUST BE DOCUMENTED!)

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Experiment # 2

NAME: _____________ DATE PERFORMED:

Extracting DNA from a Banana

Most Essential Learning Competency: Discuss the application of recombinant DNA.

2. Why is banana good for DNA extraction?

3. Why is cold alcohol used in DNA extraction?

4. What is the aim of DNA extraction experiment?

5. What is the main function of DNA?

Documentations: (NOTE: EACH PROCEDURE MUST BE DOCUMENTED!)

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