DNA EXTRACTION LAB

LAB & SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

PROCEDURE…

1. Get 2 cups from the front table.

2. Mark one cup “Cheek” with your initials

3. Mark the other cup “Soap” with your initials

4. Get 10 mL of the salt solution from the front table.

5. When everyone has their solution, we will all swish it in our mouths vigorously for 30 seconds. I’ll be timing you!

PROCEDURE…

6. After swishing, spit the solution back into your “Cheek” cup.

7. Get 5 mL of soap solution in your “Soap” cup from the front table.

8. Pour your “Cheek” solution into the “Soap” cup.

9. Gently mix this solution for 2-3 minutes! I’ll be timing you!

PROCEDURE…

10. Tilt the “Soap” cup and pour 10 mL of isopropyl alcohol down the side of the tube. DO NOT MIX!!!!

11. Let the tube stand for 1-2 minutes! Time it!

12. The white clump that you see is YOUR DNA!!!!

13. Write your reflection!

SAFETY!!!

ALWAYS WEAR GOGGLES!!! Do NOT spit anywhere except YOUR cup! Be careful when measuring the solutions.

– Limit spillage!– Wash your hands!

ANY horseplay will result in a ZERO for the lab and a visit to your administrator!

REFLECTION…Answer the questions in a paragraph

form

What did the salt solution do?

What did the soap do?

Why would scientists want to isolate human DNA?

How is DNA extraction useful for the future (medicine, crime work, etc)?