Updated September 2011 DNA Extraction Experiment

Updated September 2011 cc by Zephyris DNA molecules are the “building blocks of life” Now, they could become the building blocks of Nano-manufacturing.

Updated September 2011 DNA Tetrahedron Scientists are using DNA as a structural element in nanotechnology. This is being used in molecular self-assembly—a process by which specialized nanoparticles assemble themselves without outside assistance. cc by Anthony-22

Updated September 2011 DNA BioChip A DNA Biochip is made by Binding many short DNA strands to a solid surface. This allows scientists to analyze thousands of genes at the same time. Image Credit: Nano-Lane

Updated September 2011 Can you see DNA? You will today! Image by HighPoint Learning

Updated September 2011 In today’s lesson, you will extract DNA from ripe strawberries.

Updated September 2011 Closing Questions How is it possible to manipulate things which are too small to see? What implications does this experiment have for nanotechnology? What was your reaction after seeing the DNA extracted? How is DNA used in nanotechnology?

Updated September 2011 This module is one of a series designed to introduce faculty and high school students to the basic concepts of nanotechnology. Each module includes a PowerPoint presentation, discussion questions, and hands-on activities, when applicable. The series was funded in part by: The National Science Foundation Grant DUE and the Oklahoma Nanotechnology Education Initiative Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in the material are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation or the Oklahoma Nanotechnology Education Initiative.

Updated September 2011 Image Credits Zephyris (Designer). DNA Structure+Key+Labelled.png [Digital Image]. Wikimedia Commons. (commons.wikimedia.org) Anthony-22 (Designer). DNA tetrahedron white.png [Digital Image]. Wikimedia Commons (commons.wikimedia.org) MP.Valignat, O.Theodoly. (Scientist) BILIPID LAYER (thickness: 5nm) MEASURE IN IMMERSION. [Microscope Image]. France. Retrieved from lane.com//news_Bilipid_Layer_Measure_Immersion.phphttp://

Updated September 2011 References McGill University (2010, April 9). DNA nanotechnology: 'Magic Bullets' breakthrough offers promising applications in medicine. Strawberry DNA Extraction Experiment. Institute for Molecular Biology, University of Queensland. Retrieved from Williams, Linda and Dr. Wade Adams. (2007). Nanotechnology Demystified. [Kindle Version] doi: /