In this lab we asked the question,"How can DNA be separated from cheek cells in order to study it?" We found that by homogenization, lysis, and precipitation, DNA can be distracted. After carrying out these processes and adding alcohol, DNA formed as a precipitate on the test tubes and was visible to the naked eye. This worked because homogenization mixed the DNA and Gatorade, and lysis destroyed the membranes protecting the DNA. Finally, the alcohol being non polar, caused the DNA to form as a precipitate on the tube. This data supports our claim because the precipitate formed, so the DNA was extracted.
While our hypothesis was supported by our data, there could have been errors due to adding too much Gatorade (there was no exact measurement), or too much of any ingredient, diluting the solution. Another error that could've occurred was when pouring the alcohol. If you poured it in all at once, it would mix with the solution and not allow DNA to form. Due to these errors, in future experiments, I would recommend providing exact measurements on the instruction sheet for the lab, and pouring the alcohol slower and from the side.
This lab was done to demonstrate that DNA can be distracted, and which scientific principles are used in the process. From this lab, I learned about homogenization, lysis, and precipitation. This helped me understand the concept of polarity, and membranes in the cell. Based on my experience from this lab, I know how to extract DNA, so I would try to modify the experiment by using different ingredients to get the same result. For example, water instead of Gatorade, and papaya juice instead of pineapple juice, different types of soap, etc.
While our hypothesis was supported by our data, there could have been errors due to adding too much Gatorade (there was no exact measurement), or too much of any ingredient, diluting the solution. Another error that could've occurred was when pouring the alcohol. If you poured it in all at once, it would mix with the solution and not allow DNA to form. Due to these errors, in future experiments, I would recommend providing exact measurements on the instruction sheet for the lab, and pouring the alcohol slower and from the side.
This lab was done to demonstrate that DNA can be distracted, and which scientific principles are used in the process. From this lab, I learned about homogenization, lysis, and precipitation. This helped me understand the concept of polarity, and membranes in the cell. Based on my experience from this lab, I know how to extract DNA, so I would try to modify the experiment by using different ingredients to get the same result. For example, water instead of Gatorade, and papaya juice instead of pineapple juice, different types of soap, etc.
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