In this lab, we asked the question "how can DNA be separated from cheek cells in order to be studied?". My group found out that through the use of three basic steps
homogenizing,
lysis, and
precipitation. After finishing the three major procedures, Chase and I were successful at isolating our DNA from the solution that we made, resulting as a
precipitate in the cold alcohol solution. This is evidence that our procedures for separating DNA from cheek cells does work. The science behind our procedures involves, firstly, the
homogenizing of the cell tissue with
polar liquid. This breaks down the cell, plasma, and nuclear membranes of the cheek cells, which is done by using soap as a
lysing agent. Then, the salty solution of involving Gatorade helps form the DNA
precipitation later on by shielding the negative phosphate ends of the DNA, causing the DNA to condense and move closer together. The next step is to
lyse the cell membranes and emulsify the lipids and protein of the cell, dispersing into the surrounding solution. In this step, we used dish detergent to destroy the cell membranes and emulsify the lipids and proteins of the cell, dispersing it amongst the solution. We then used pineapple juice, which contains
catabolic proteases, to break down
enzymes called
histones that the DNA wraps itself around. Finally, the isolated DNA is put into cold alcohol, a
nonpolar solution. Since DNA is
polar, it cannot be dissolved in a
nonpolar solvents. It then appears visible and can be extracted from the alcohol for use in experiments and studying. This data supports our claim, because our procedures matched exactly what was suggested to happen by the science behind the
homogenizing,
lysis, and
precipitation.
Some of our data contradicted the expected results, because some of the table members in the group had done the same procedures as Chase and I did, although they were not able to get any of their DNA to
precipitate. These errors affected the results, because the two other group members did not get any DNA as a result of the experiment, thus their result was different than what was expected. Due to these errors, in future experiments, I would recommend gnawing harder at one's cheek before applying the Gatorade salt solution, such that more of the dead cheek lining can come off, such that one has a higher chance of producing DNA in the final result.
This lab was done to demonstrate how DNA from cheek cells can be extracted as use for experiments and studies. It also demonstrated physical proof that DNA did exist in cells. From this lab, I learned that DNA extraction is possible without complicated machinery and gadgets. I learned that through
homogenization, cells can be treated to extract DNA from the cells, as was in this experiment. Based on my experience from this lab, I now understand how biologists can chemically treat cells to extract and analyze certain things like DNA in the future. This could be useful in another situation in the future when gene editing is possible, such that if I became a researcher in science, I could extract DNA from a zygote and change its DNA to circumvent a disease or improve it in one way or another.
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| Chase and I with our extracted DNA |
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| Capsule of my extracted DNA |
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