Human DNA Extraction Lab Conclusion

In this lab we asked the question, how can DNA be separated from cheek cells in order to study it. We found that we could if we followed a series of steps. A qualitative observation that proves this is the chuck of DNA that was formed when I followed the procedure correctly. Some evidence from current scientific concepts say that if cheek cells are taken from someone, add a pinch of salt, which protects the negative phosphate of DNA, making them move closer to each other, 10 drops of detergent, which is used to lyse o disintegrate the cell membrane and causes all the contents of the cell to be released into the mixture, and 5-10 drops of enzymes, which breaks down the proteins called histones that causes DNA to wrap itself around them, shake the tube 6 times, let the solution sit for 5 minutes, add the same amount of alcohol as the mixture, making sure not to mix them, and since alcohol is polar and DNA is nonpolar, the DNA becomes a precipitate, let it sit again for 5 minutes, DNA would become visible.

While our hypothesis, if we are able to see DNA, then we will see it after we add the alcohol to the solution, was supported by our data, there could have been mistakes of how much of a certain solution we added, so some of us were not able to see our DNA or only a certain amount of it, and how long it took to make part of the solution, so if some of us took 5 minutes making a part of the solution, while others took 10, maybe the people who took longer were not able to see their DNA or only a certain amount of it. Due to these errors, in future experiments I would recommend being more precise with measurements and to time everything as closely as possible.

This lab was done to demonstrate how DNA could be extracted. From this lab I learned that certain items, like pineapple juice, salt, and detergent, have certain items in them like pineapple juice has catabolic proteases which break up certain proteins, which helps me understand the concept of what a cell and DNA molecule is made of more clearly. Based on my experience from this lab, I have a better understanding of the chemical properties of cells and DNA and will be able to understand more difficult concepts later.