How to extract DNA from a strawberry

In this article, we will show you how to extract DNA from a strawberry. This is a simple and easy experiment that can be done at home with a few basic supplies. DNA extraction is a process of isolating DNA from a biological sample. It is a common technique used in molecular biology and genetic engineering. DNA extraction can be used to study the genetic makeup of an organism, to create genetically modified organisms, or to amplify DNA for further analysis.

Materials

• Strawberries
• Water
• Dishwashing liquid
• Alcohol
• Coffee filter
• Funnel
• Beaker
• Pipette
• Magnifier

Procedure

1. Wash the strawberries and remove the green leaves.
2. Cut the strawberries into small pieces.
3. In a beaker, combine 2 tablespoons of water, 1 teaspoon of dishwashing liquid, and 1/2 cup of alcohol.
4. Add the strawberry pieces to the solution and mash them with a fork.
5. Pour the mixture through a coffee filter into a funnel.
6. Collect the liquid that drips through the filter in a beaker.
7. Use a pipette to transfer 10 drops of the liquid to a microscope slide.
8. Cover the drop with a coverslip.
9. Examine the slide under a microscope.
10. You should see small, white, stringy pieces of DNA.

Results

The experiment to extract DNA from a strawberry is a success if you can see small, white, stringy pieces of DNA under a microscope. These pieces of DNA are the genetic material of the strawberry. They contain all the information necessary to grow a new strawberry plant.

Conclusion

You will find that to extract DNA from a strawberry is a simple and easy experiment that can be done at home with a few basic supplies. It is a great way to learn about the genetic makeup of an organism and to see DNA for yourself.

Tips

• If you don’t have a microscope, you can use a magnifying glass to see the DNA.
• You can also use a different type of fruit, such as a banana or an apple.
• If you want to learn more about DNA extraction, you can find many resources online and in libraries.

Randy Cooper has been in marketing technology more than 35 years. He has a Bachelors of Science in Information Technology, with a focus on web development, from the University of Phoenix. He has a Masters in Business Administration, with a focus on digital marketing, from Liberty University. He holds a Professional Certified Marketer certificate from the American Marketing Association.  In 2009, Randy founded Buzz My Biz, a digital marketing agency focused on giving enterprise-level marketing results to small and medium-sized businesses. In 2023 he launched RandyCooper.shop, a print-on-demand store featuring all-over-print products, and BoomerLife.social, a virtual community for boomers. When he isn’t pounding away on a keyboard, he enjoys watching the AtlantaBraves, hiking, and working in the yard.