How to Extract DNA From Anything Living

Source Institutions

University of Utah

How to Extract DNA From Anything Living

In this genetics activity, learners discover how to extract DNA from green split peas. This resource guide includes a brief explanation of DNA and provides suggestions for ways to experiment with DNA extraction further.

Preparation Time:: Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:: 30 to 45 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:: $1 - $5 per student
Age Range:: Ages 8 - 18
Resource Types:: Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
Language:: English

Materials List (per student)

1/2 cup of split peas (100 ml)
1/8 teaspoon table salt (less than 1ml)
1 cup cold water (200ml)
blender
strainer
container like a measuring cup
2 tablespoons liquid detergent (about 30 ml)
test tubes or other small glass containers
pinch of enzymes (meat tenderizer)
rubbing alcohol (70-95% isopropyl or ethyl alcohol)

Keywords

Subjects

Life Sciences
- Diversity of Life
  - Plants
- Heredity and Genetics
  - DNA Structure and Function
Physical Sciences
- Electricity and Magnetism
The Nature of Science
- The Scientific Process
  - Conducting Investigations

Informal Categories

Food and Cooking

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

see
see color
read
touch

Learning styles supported:

Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Components that are part of this resource:

How to Extract DNA From Anything Living (PDF version)

This resource is part of:

Labs

Access Rights:

Free access

By:

Genetic Science Learning Center, University of Utah

Source Collection:

Teach.Genetics

Rights:

All Rights Reserved, University of Utah, ©2008

Funding Source:

Science Education Partnership Award (SEPA) from the National Center for Research Resources, a component of the National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, 1 R25 RR16291-01