Extracting DNA
Learn how to work as a scientist and extract and observe DNA from fruits or vegetables.
In this activity, youth extract DNA from fruits and vegetables.
Learning Objectives:
- Youth will be able to extract DNA from fruits and vegetables.
- Youth will be able to illustrate what they see in the DNA and articulate that DNA is found in the food they eat.
Materials:
- Each youth needs:
- 1 pair of safety goggles
- 1 plastic sealable bag
- 1 small clear plastic cup
- 1 coffee filter
- 3 coffee stirrers
- Rubber band (to hold coffee filter onto cup)
- Plastic sheet segment for use with microscope o One of the four fruit/vegetable samples
- DNAExtractionProtocolSheet
- DNA Comparison Worksheet
- Career Comparison Worksheet (Optional)
- Each group needs:
- 3 small colored plastic cups
- Liquid measuring cup
- Dish soap – Dawn® works best (to break apart the cell membranes)
- Distilled Water (filtered or tap water will work as well)
- Measuring spoon
- Salt (to separate cells)
- Paper towels
- Eyedropper
- Cold isopropyl alcohol – must be 80% or higher (to separate the DNA) o Digital
- Microscope (if available)
- Strawberries*
- Bananas*
- Green beans*
- Raspberries*