Extracting DNA from Fruit

Did you know you can see DNA with your own eyes—right in your kitchen? This simple experiment shows you how to pull strands of DNA out of fruit like strawberries or bananas.

Extracting DNA from fruit is a fun and fascinating experiment. Here’s a step-by-step guide for you. 🍏🔬

Materials Needed (Probably next to you now!):

• A piece of fruit (like a strawberry or banana)

• Dish soap

• Salt

• Water

• Coffee filter or cheesecloth

• A small glass or test tube

• Rubbing alcohol (very cold)

• A stirring stick or toothpick

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Prepare the Fruit: - Take your piece of fruit and mash it in a bowl. You can use a fork or your hands to break it down into a pulp. This helps to release the DNA.

2. Make the Extraction Solution: - In a separate container, mix about 2 tablespoons of dish soap, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 cup of water. This solution helps to break down cell membranes and release DNA.

3. Combine the Fruit and Solution: - Pour the extraction solution over the mashed fruit. Stir gently for about 5-10 minutes. This allows the soap and salt to break down the cells.

4. Filter the Mixture: - Using a coffee filter or cheesecloth, strain the mixture into another container. This will separate the liquid (which contains the DNA) from the solid fruit pulp.

5. Add Alcohol: - Slowly pour cold rubbing alcohol into the filtered liquid. You should do this by pouring it down the side of the container to avoid mixing too much. About the same amount of alcohol as the liquid should work.

6. Observe the DNA: - After a few moments, you may see white strands forming between the layers. That's the DNA! You can use a stirring stick or toothpick to spool it gently.

7. Collect and Store: - You can collect the DNA on your stick and place it in a small container if you want to keep it. 🎉 ### Final Thoughts: Remember, the DNA won't look like the double helix you see in pictures, but it's still very cool to see it in its physical form!

If you have any questions along the way, I'm here to help.

Enjoy your experiment! 🌟