Strawberry DNA Extraction Lab

Jack Hume
Partner: Josh Musto
Biology Honors ALA 2A
19 February 2015

Strawberry DNA Extraction Lab

Jack Hume
Partner: Josh Musto
19 March 2015

Abstract
DNA, a double-helix organic structure, is composed of long chains of nucleotides. Nucleotides,
the monomer of DNA, are made up of a five-carbon sugar (deoxyribose,) a nitrogenous base
(adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine,) as well as a phosphate group. In every organism, a
unique set and arrangement of nucleotides and nitrogenous bases means genetic variation as
these DNA arrangements code for different genes on chromosomes and in protein synthesis.
DNA can be extracted from organisms by breaking down the phospholipid cell membrane and
separating out the DNA from other materials in the cell.

Purpose
To extract DNA from a strawberry by breaking down cells, separating cell membranes and
organelles using a detergent buffer, and by using alcohol to pull the DNA out of a strained
mixture. Once extracted, DNA could be observed and inferences made about the nature of DNA,
its presence in organisms, and the steps needed to fully extract it.

Materials

Beaker (100 mL)

Coffee filter

DNA extraction buffer

Glass stirring rod
Zip-Lock Heavy Duty bag
Ice-cold isopropyl alcohol 5 mL (91%)
Rubber Band
Strawberry
Test Tube

Pre-Lab
To break open the cells in the strawberry, the fruit was smashed to a slush (A). To dissolve cell
membranes, a detergent solution was mixed into the strawberry (C). To precipitate the DNA, 5
mL isopropyl alcohol was layered over the strawberry filtration (D). Finally, to separate
organelles, broken cell walls, and membranes from proteins, carbohydrates, and DNA, the
solution was filtered through a coffee filter (B).

Data Table

Buffer

Amount added or

Initial Color

Purpose

obtained
10 mL

Transparent, yellow

To break down cell

membranes, exposing
organelles and DNA

Strawberry
Cold Alcohol

2 whole
5 mL

Red
Transparent

to solution
Organism
Layered over filtered
solution; seperates

DNA

Score of 5

Clear, Viscous

DNA from solution

Lab purpose was to
extract DNA

Set-Up
Two strawberries were placed in a zip-lock back and smashed for 2 minutes, then 10 mL buffer
added to the bag. This mixture was mixed for one minute (1). After that, the mixture was
filtered through a coffee filter (2) and the filtrate was poured into a test tube where ice-cold
alcohol was then filled so DNA would precipitate out of the solution (3). A glass stirring rod was
then used to extract the DNA.
(1)

(2)

(3)

Analysis
DNA is found in the protective brain of the cell the nucleus. Thus, it is necessary to
use a DNA extraction buffer of salt and soap in order to dissolve the phospholipid bilayer
membrane of the cell (soap) and dissolve proteins that are bound to the DNA by using an
electrolyte solution to draw highly-polar DNA molecules out, separating them from DNA, while
maintaining the aqueous nature of the solution (salt.) Ice-cold isopropyl alcohol causes the DNA
to precipitate by disrupting the polar screening of water, drawing DNA out of the solution and
precipitating it. Once DNA was extracted, it appeared as a viscous, mostly-transparent
substance, due to the presence of pectin enzymes in strawberries.

Extension

Snake (Least 1 Most 10)

Southern US Copperhead (1)
Western Diamonback (3)
Eastern Coral (4)
King Cobra (8)
Indian Krait (9)
European Viper (2)
Bushmaster (10)
Fer-de-Lance (5)
Black-necked Cobra (6)
Puff Adder (6)

Mortality Rate (%)

<1
5-15
5-20
>40
77
1-5
100
10-20
11-40
11-40

Upon analyzing the data table, it can be seen that the bushmaster snake has the highest
mortality rate at almost 100%, and it is labeled so in the data table. The least venomous snake,
the Southern US Copperhead, only has a mortality rate of less than 1%. From the data recorded,
it is impossible to see which snakes venom works the most rapidly this data table only looks at
the variable of snake mortality rate from venom. The snakes that have the same venom mortality
rate are the Black-necked Cobra and the Puff Adder. 10 types of snakes were observed.