DNA the Easy Way

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This demonstration can be used to help learners visualize DNA by lysing (breaking open) bacterial cells on a slide and “stringing up” the DNA with a toothpick in less than one minute. This technique can also be used to study bacteria because only Gram-negative bacteria lyse in 3% KOH; Gram-positive bacteria do not. The technique is equivalent to the Gram-stain reaction, but does not require a microscope or potentially messy stains. This lesson guide includes instructions for two demonstrations, suggestions for modifications for advanced classes, study questions with answers for learners, and supplemental information and references.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
1 to 7 days
Learning Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$10 - $20 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 11 - 18
Resource Types:
Activity, Demonstration, Experiment/Lab Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • plastic eggs, the hollow kind that open into two halves
  • string or yarn
  • chopsticks
  • Culture plates of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial isolates
  • flat wooden toothpicks
  • glass microscope slides
  • dropper bottle containing 3% (w/v) potassium hydroxide (KOH)

Keywords

Subjects

  • Engineering and Technology
    • Engineering
      • Bioengineering/Biomedical Engineering
    • Technology
      • Medical Technology
      • Agriculture and Biotechnology
  • Life Sciences
    • Cells
      • Cell Structure and Function
    • Diversity of Life
      • Viruses and Bacteria
      • Classification
    • Heredity and Genetics
      • DNA Structure and Function
      • Genetic Engineering
    • Human Body
      • Medicine
  • Physical Sciences
    • Chemistry
      • Chemical Reactions
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations
      • Formulating Explanations

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Components that are part of this resource:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • Schumann, Gail ; Jasalavich, Claudia A.

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, The American Phytopathological Society, 2011