The extraction of DNA from a banana involves a few general steps including mashing, filtration, precipitation and extraction. At the end of the experiment, DNA is removed from the resulting experimental solution. It appears as a clump made of string like strands on the toothpick used to remove it. DNA is a biological molecule that contains genetic information. It can also be described as a nucleic acid that is organized into chromosomes. The genetic code found in it provides instructions for the production of proteins and other compounds necessary in a living organism. It is found in the nucleus of a cell and is composed of long nucleotide strands, It exists as a double-stranded molecule with a twisted double helical shape. Genes are inherited through the replication of DNA during meiosis process.
Materials:
Banana
Sealable plastic bag
Warm water
Sodium chloride (salt)
Detergent
Alcohol
Wooden toothpicks
Glass cap
Procedure:
One-third to one-half of a banana was obtained and placed in a small sealable plastic bag.
Enough warm water was added to barely cover the banana.
2-3 teaspoons of sodium carbonate were added to the sealable bag.
The banana in the sealable bag was carefully mashed for about two minutes until all lumps were finished and the saltwater and the banana had mixed well.
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
0.50 – 1.0 ML of the detergent was added into the bag and the products are given a gentle stir while trying to avoid too much foam formation.
A filter was placed in a glass cup and secured at the same time.
The liquid was poured into the filter and allowed to sit until all the liquid dripped down into the cup.
The filter was removed and discarded.
The cup was slowly tilted and through its side, cold alcohol was added, making an alcohol layer of about is 2.5 – 5.0 cm thickness.
An extra 8-minute wait was necessary after the alcohol layer was set up. At this stage, it is possible to see bubbles, as well as materials, moving around in the alcohol, an indication of the DNA pieces clustering.
The wooden toothpick provided was used to poke the resultant cloudy substance formed in the alcohol layer. To collect the cloudy stuff, the wooden toothpick was spun. The staff collected is DNA.
The DNA appearance, as observed was white. It formed a clump constituting string like strands wrapped on the toothpick. Mashing the banana ensured the presence of a large surface area from which the required DNA was extracted. The reagent used served different major roles to ensure the desired result is obtained. The salt water helped the DNA strands to come together. The purpose of the detergent is to break apart the cellular and nuclear membrane so as to release the DNA, while the cold alcohol was used to ensure a separation of DNA from the cellular substances (precipitation). A majority of primary genes that are indispensable in influencing cellular functions such as DNA replication, controlling the cell cycle and helping in cell division are common in both bananas and animals. They are similar in that in both, genes are responsible for the outcomes mentioned above. Besides, enzymes are a fundamental constituent that influences the oxidation of sugars to release energy, an indispensable aspect of life in plants as well as animals. Enzymes involved in the process are proteins that need to be coded in the DNA. DNA is a molecule that constitutes two chains that coil around each other in a manner that forms a helix that carries the genetic instructions primarily needed for the growth, development as well as functioning of all known living organisms. On the other hand, genes are a sequence of DNA that codes for a molecule that has a function of transmitting certain genetic characteristics to an organism’s offspring. They are hence responsible for inheritance.
