Simple DNA Extraction Background

Fruit LoopsDNA Extraction

Breaking Down Cell Structure

to Extract DNA

1© T. Rosa & B.R. Shmaefsky

Cell Structure

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Ribosome

Chromosomes

Nucleus

NuclearMembrane

CytoplasmMitochondria

Cell Membrane

GolgiBody

Lysosome(Vacuole)

EndoplasmicReticulum

Cell FunctionReview

Making our way to the DNA

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Step 1Breaking down the cell

membrane

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Cell membrane is a layer of lipid (fat)

How do you break down fats?

Step 2Mix, mix, and more mixing

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La, la, la…

Mixing the cells in the soap breaks down the cell membrane and the nuclear membrane to get us to the DNA.

Step 3Filtering out the chunks

We filter out the parts of the cell that we do not need:

1. Cell membranes

2. Nuclear membranes

3. Cell organelles

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I’m in here!

Step 4Alcohol Separation

Alcohol denatures the DNA and separates it from the liquid by making it clump.

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Denaturing changes the structure of the molecule

Denatured DNA

Test your knowledge

• Why is it so difficult to get to the DNA?Why is it so difficult to get to the DNA?

• What process removes the DNA from the What process removes the DNA from the cell?cell?

• Why would scientists need to extract Why would scientists need to extract DNA?DNA?

• Can you think of other substances that we Can you think of other substances that we can extract DNA from?can extract DNA from?

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