DNA Extraction Lab

DNA Extraction Lab
In this lab I demonstrated DNA sperating from the membrane. Down below are the instructions and below them are my observations for each step of the instructions.

Instructions:

1. Place 1 gram of raw wheat germ in a 50 ml test tube
2. Add 20 ml of hot (50-60C) tap water and mix constantly for 3 minutes
3. Add 1 ml or a scant 1/4 teaspoon of detergent and mix gently every minute for 5 minutes. Try not to create foam.
4. Use an eyedropper, pipetter, or piece of paper towel to remove any foam from the top of the solution
5. Tilt the test tube at an angle. SLOWLY pour 14 ml of alcohol down the side do that it forms a layer on top of the water/wheat germ/detergent solution. Do not mix the two layers together. DNA precipitates at the water-alcohol interface. Therefore, it is crucial to pour the alcohol very slowly so that it forms a layer on top of the water solution. If the alcohol mixes with the water, it will become too dilute and the DNA will not precipitate.
6. Let the test tube sit for a few minutes. White, stringy, filmy DNA will begin to appear where the water and alcohol meet. You will usually see DNA precipitating from the solution at the water-alcohol interface as soon as you pour in the alcohol. If you let the precipitation sit for 15 minutes or so, the DNA will float to the top of the alcohol.
7. Use a glass or paper clip hook or a wooden stick to collect the DNA.

Observations:

1. What does the "wheat germ soup" look like?    Baby Food  
   
2. How does it's appearance change as you add the detergent and swirl it in?    It turns yellow
   
3. What do you think is happening at this step?   DNA is seperating from the membrane  
   
   
   
   
   
4. Describe the appearance of the mixture just after you add the alcohol.  Yellow at the bottom, white strings coming up, clear fluid (alcohol staying at the top) 
   
   
   
   
   
5. What do you think is happening at this step?   Alcohol is finishing breaking calls and letting the contents out.
6. What do you observe at the water-alcohol interface?  DNA coming up or seperating
7. What does DNA look like?  White strands