Unit 11- Genetics and Genetic Engineering
Assignment D: Explore basic DNA techniques and the use of genetic engineering technologies
D.P6: Extract, separate and amplify DNA.
D.P7: Explain the use of genetic engineering technologies industry and medicine.
D.M6: Analyse the uses of genetic engineering technologies in industry and medicine.
D.D4: Evaluate possible future uses of genetic engineering technologies.
D.P6: Extract, separate and amplify DNA.
Title:
DNA Extraction
Introduction:
DNA is a long molecule that contains the genetic code for
all organisms. All organisms have DNA inside every one of
their cells. DNA tells an organism how to develop and
function.
Background Information/Discussion:
Each and every cell has DNA inside of it (expect mature red blood cells in humans). Each cell has an
entire copy of the same set of genetic material, which is called the genome. DNA is studied for many
reasons: such as to figure out how certain instructions stored DNA helps your body to function
properly. DNA is used to make new medicines, or genetically modify crops to make them resistant to
insects. It can also be used to solve crimes and even the use of ancient DNA to reconstruct
evolutionary history.
Equipment:
Ziplock bag
2 Strawberries (either fresh or frozen)
2tsp dish soap
½ cup water
2 plastic cups
1 coffee filter
½ cold rubbing alcohol/90% ethanol
1 stirrer or wooden stick
Method:
1) Remove the stems of the strawberry if they haven’t been removed already.
2) Put the strawberries into the Ziplock bag and smash them for about two minutes to crush
them completely. This will break open the cell walls and release the DNA.
3) In the plastic cup, make your DNA extraction solution by mixing together2 tsp dish soap, 1
tsp salt and ½ cup of water.
4) Add 2 tsp of DNA extraction liquid into the bag with the strawberries. This will further break
the cell walls.
, 5) Reseal the bag and gently smash for another minute by avoiding making too many soap
bubbles.
6) Place the coffee filter inside another plastic cup.
7) Open the bag and pour the strawberry liquid into the filter.
8) Pour an equal amount of rubbing alcohol or 90% ethanol at the side of the cup of the
strawberry liquid. Do not mix or stir. This isolates the DNA from the rest of the material
contained in the cells of the strawberry.
9) Watch the white cloudy substance (DNA) forming on the top layer above the strawberry
extract layer.
10) Tilt the cup and pick the DNA using the stirrer or wooden stick.
Results/Observation:
As a result, when the dish soap and salt mixture is added to the smash strawberries, the dish soap
will help break open the strawberry cells by releasing the DNA into the solution. The salt help creates
an environment for the DNA strands to be gathered and clumped together, making it easier for us to
see. After adding the cold rubbing alcohol into the strawberry solution, the alcohol precipitates the
DNA out of the strawberry liquid, when the rest of the liquid should have remained in the solution.
You should also have observed the white gooey DNA strands in the alcohol layer as well as between
the two layers. A DNA strand is extremely tiny to see with the naked eye, but because the DNA was
clumped together, the strawberries had all of their octoploid cells (8 genomes) combined.
Risk Assessment:
Hazard Risk Safety measures
Rubbing alcohol/ 90% ethanol Could act as an irritant. Use in a well-ventilated area,
Inhalation could cause wear safety equipment (safety
irritation to the nose/throat or glasses or lab coats/aprons
skin (if touched). and wear gloves when pouring
the rubbing alcohol/ethanol.
D. P7: Explain the use of genetic engineering technologies
industry and medicine.
Introduction:
Genetic engineering is the artificial technology to modify,
manipulate or even recombine the DNA or other genetic
molecules to modify an organism or a population of organisms.
This is used to alter the DNA or the capabilities of an organism
beyond what is considered as normal. The techniques in genetic
engineering is used and has led to the production and
development in medicine such as human insulin, human growth How organisms are genetically modified? Available at:
hormone, hepatitis B vaccine as well as in agriculture to develop https://sphweb.bumc.bu.edu/otlt/MPH-Modules/PH/G
MOs/GMOs3.html (Accessed: December 14, 2022).
genetically modified organisms such as disease-resistant plants.
History of genetic engineering:
Genetic engineering was discovered during the late 1960’s by viruses, bacteria and plasmids (small
rings of DNA floating in the bacteria). In 1968, Swiss microbiologist Werner Arber discovered
restriction enzymes (naturally occurring enzymes which cut DNA into fragments during replication).
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