Extracting DNA

• What is the first step in extracting DNA from fruit?

  Put the in the bag and crush to a pulp by hand.
• What ingredients are mixed in the glass beaker for DNA extraction?

  60 cm³ of washing up liquid, 60 cm³ of distilled water, and 2 heaped spatulas of salt.
• Why should the mixture in the glass beaker be mixed gently?

  To avoid forming bubbles.
• How long should the bag be placed in the water bath?

  15 minutes.
• What is the purpose of rinsing the glass beaker with tap water and then distilled water?

  To clean the beaker before use.
• What should be done after placing the bag on the ice in the plastic beaker?

  Pour the ice from the glass beaker on top.
• What is used to filter the mixture after it has cooled?

  A J cloth square secured with an elastic band.
• What is the purpose of trickling ice cold ethanol onto the filtered juice?

  To precipitate the DNA.
• What is the final product obtained from the DNA extraction process?

  The white stringy layer, which is the strawberry DNA.
• What are the steps used to extract DNA from fruit?

  1. Crush strawberries in a bag.
  2. Mix washing up liquid, distilled water, and salt in a beaker.
  3. Combine the mixture with the crushed strawberries.
  4. Place the bag in a water bath for 15 minutes.
  5. Cool the mixture with ice.
  6. Filter the mixture using a J cloth.
  7. Add ice cold ethanol to the filtered juice.
  8. Extract the DNA using a wire loop.