DNA Extraction of Strawberry and Banana

Revilla, J.

ABSTRACT
DNA is the representation of each and every living organism. This experiment
show that DNA can be extracted in many different ways from the simplest to the
most complex way of extracting it. Through this experiment we conclude that
each and every living organism has different structures of DNA within them.

INTRODUCTION
The goal of this experiment is to identify the difference structure of DNA on different organisms. DNA or
deoxyribonucleic acid is a molecule that carries the genetic information used in the growth, development,
functioning and reproduction of all known living organisms and many viruses. In this study we would
determine the difference between structures of the organism given.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The groups were asked to bring two clean Ziploc bags, cheesecloth, a medium size strawberries and a banana.
A DNA buffer was also prepared by mixing 900mL of tap water, 15g of salt and 50mL of dish soap. The
banana was peeled and the strawberry leaves were removed, and each fruit were put in separate Ziploc bags.
The fruits were slowly mashed until the fruits became purée. Then eight millilitres of DNA buffer was then
added to the purée. The air was pressed out and mash then mashed the fruit purée for about a minute
without creating any bubbles. The two test tubes were prepared and the test tubes were placed inside the
mouth of the Erlenmeyer flask. The mixture was drained using cheesecloth and a funnel. Each mixture was
then slowly poured an equal amount of cooled ethyl alcohol. Using a stirring rod, each group was then asked
to slowly stir the ethyl alcohol above the mixture.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

The experiment shows that every organism has different DNA structure, where that the strawberry has a
round and silk-like strand while the banana has a flat and plain structure. When adding the DNA buffer to the
smashed fruits, the detergent helped lyse (pop open) the fruits cells, releasing the DNA into solution, whereas
the salt helped create an environment where the different DNA strands could gather and clump, making it
easier to see. Adding the cold rubbing alcohol to the filtered banana and strawberry liquid, the alcohol should
have precipitated the DNA out of the liquid while the rest of the liquid remained in solution. The group
observed the white/clear gooey DNA strands in the alcohol layer as well as between the two layers. A single
strand of DNA is extremely tiny, too tiny to see with the naked eye, but because the DNA clumped in this
activity it is easier to see.
 Figure 1.1 DNA of Strawberry and Banana

CONCLUSION
The conclusion was that every living organism has different DNA structure where important genetic
information was stored.

LITERATURE CITED
Ramos, A. C. (2017) Exploring Life through Science Series General Biology 1. Quezon City,
Philippines: Phoenix Publishing House, Inc.

Science Buddies. (2013, January 31) Squishy Science: Extract DNA from Smashed Strawberries [Blog Post].
Retrieved from https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/squishy-science-extract-dna-from-smashed-
strawberries/