Strawberry DNA Extraction
Project Overview: Extract real DNA from a strawberry by using soap to break down the cell membrane. Explore the genetic makeup of living organisms, the same way scientists do!
Materials:
1 - 2 strawberries
Rubbing alcohol
Dish soap
Salt
Ziploc bag
Clear glass or cup
Small strainer / cheese cloth
Toothpick
Instructions:
Grab the strawberry. Carefully remove the green leafy top and place the strawberry inside a ziploc bag. Make sure to seal the bag and remove excess air.
Use your fingers to mash and squish the strawberry from outside the bag until it becomes a smooth pulp.
In a small cup, mix together a teaspoon of dish soap, a pinch of salt, and 3 tablespoons of cold water.
Open the ziploc bag with the strawberry inside. Pour the dish soap mixture into the bag. Reseal the bag and mix everything together by squishing the bag with your hands.
Grab your strainer and place it over the glass. Pour the strawberry mixture through the filter into the glass.
Once you’re done straining the mixture, tilt your glass and slowly and CAREFULLY pour rubbing alcohol down the inside edge of the glass until there is a layer of alcohol sitting on top of the strawberry mixture. Ensure that the two layers stay separate.
Observe the mixture for some time. You’ll notice white, stringy clumps forming and floating towards the layer made up of rubbing alcohol.
Use a toothpick to gently swirl and scoop the white stringy clumps out of the glass. This is DNA!
