Dna Extraction
Introduction
DNA (Deoxyribose Nucleic Acid) is a nucleic acid that has many names, each representing the phases that it undergoes (chromosomes, chromatin, genes/alleles); it resides in the nucleus (bound by 2 *phospholipid bilayers) of almost every cell in the body (red blood cells being an exception). DNA (your genotype) is double stranded and is responsible for replicating (from 46 to 92) during Interphase, so that mitosis can make new cells, repairing and allowing for growth in the body. It is also responsible for transcription and translation, a series of processes that allows for the genotype to become a phenotype (what you look like and metabolic processes). DNA is ~ 2 M long, and yet fits into a cell that is ~ 100 µM in size! Simple household solutions, based on their chemical properties (polarity) are used to extract DNA for examination. Once DNA is extracted from the nucleus (nuclear envelope) it can be examined in many laboratory tests for a variety of reasons: DNA quantification, DNA fingerprinting, Real-Time PCR analysis, genetics testing and genetic therapy.
In this lab basic household chemicals are used to extract DNA by *precipitating it; reflecting on basic chemistry (the early chapters in the text) will assist in understanding why salt, soap and alcohol are used. Consider what type of chemical each is, including DNA; consider what *charges each hold and their solubility, not to just the DNA, but to each other. As you perform this lab, contemplate what each chemical is doing as they interact. Key words are marked with an *.
Participant's name (student):
Instructor's name:
Class Division:
Objectives
Review basic chemistry by extracting DNA from your check cells.
Materials
Obtain the materials needed as you perform the procedures/lab:
• Sports drink (Gatorade, Powerade, Propel, etc.)
• Graduated cylinder (small)
• Lysis Solution (5 mL)
• Plastic test tube w/cap
• Test tube rack
• Small cup
• Funnel
• 95% Ethanol (Refrigerated Ethyl alcohol)
DNA (Deoxyribose Nucleic Acid) is a nucleic acid that has many names, each representing the phases that it undergoes (chromosomes, chromatin, genes/alleles); it resides in the nucleus (bound by 2 *phospholipid bilayers) of almost every cell in the body (red blood cells being an exception). DNA (your genotype) is double stranded and is responsible for replicating (from 46 to 92) during Interphase, so that mitosis can make new cells, repairing and allowing for growth in the body. It is also responsible for transcription and translation, a series of processes that allows for the genotype to become a phenotype (what you look like and metabolic processes). DNA is ~ 2 M long, and yet fits into a cell that is ~ 100 µM in size! Simple household solutions, based on their chemical properties (polarity) are used to extract DNA for examination. Once DNA is extracted from the nucleus (nuclear envelope) it can be examined in many laboratory tests for a variety of reasons: DNA quantification, DNA fingerprinting, Real-Time PCR analysis, genetics testing and genetic therapy.
In this lab basic household chemicals are used to extract DNA by *precipitating it; reflecting on basic chemistry (the early chapters in the text) will assist in understanding why salt, soap and alcohol are used. Consider what type of chemical each is, including DNA; consider what *charges each hold and their solubility, not to just the DNA, but to each other. As you perform this lab, contemplate what each chemical is doing as they interact. Key words are marked with an *.
Participant's name (student):
Instructor's name:
Class Division:
Objectives
Review basic chemistry by extracting DNA from your check cells.
Materials
Obtain the materials needed as you perform the procedures/lab:
• Sports drink (Gatorade, Powerade, Propel, etc.)
• Graduated cylinder (small)
• Lysis Solution (5 mL)
• Plastic test tube w/cap
• Test tube rack
• Small cup
• Funnel
• 95% Ethanol (Refrigerated Ethyl alcohol)
References: 1. Human Biology Week #09 Print-Out Sheets given in Carcinogenesis Lab session 2. Human Biology - Concepts and Current Issues TextBook 5th Edition