How to extract DNA from strawberries

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Uploaded by on Oct 21, 2010

Drs. Eric Green and Carla Easter from the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) demonstrate how to extract DNA from strawberries using everyday household items.

More information at: http://www.genome.gov/activities/

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Science & Technology

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Uploader Comments ( GenomeTV )

  • How much DNA do you actually get?

  • The amount of DNA that can be isolated depends on a number of thing: How well did you “smash” the strawberries? Did you make sure to add enough detergent and/or salt? How big was the strawberry? How many strawberries did you use? Did you add enough or too much alcohol?

    All these things could affect the yield or amount of DNA you isolate.

    Carla

  • How can I prove my teacher that I've got actual DNA? Is there anyway to prove it without a fancy microscope?

  • One way to prove that what you have is DNA without a fancy microscope would be to use gel electrophoresis to analyze what you isolated. For more information on gel electrophoresis you can visit: learn.genetics.utah.edu/conten­t/labs/gel/. First, you would need to clean up the DNA you extracted because what is isolated from the strawberry is quite dirty; and one will get much better results from clean DNA.

    Carla

  • So basically I have to build my own electrophoresis chamber. So there's absolutely no other way I can prove that's DNA without it? I don't really have the money to buy UV light, which is required in the building of the chamber. I'm screwed, am I?

  • I totally understand your situation. Here is a link that highlight’s that others have had the same question:

    newton.dep.anl.gov/askasci/mol­e00/mole00687.htm

    Carla

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All Comments (63)

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  • I know how to extract DNA from me now

  • If I can't demonstrate my teacher that's actual DNA, I mean if I didn't use the tecniques you mentioned above, What can I tell her so she knows that's is actual DNA? How can I explain her?

  • Ok. I researched and there's no way I can prove it. Thank you for your help. But can you tell me an explanation as why do you say that is really DNA? THANK YOU!

  • thank you for explaining ....i plan on going to school to be a geneticist 

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