1. DNA in My Food???

2. What is DNA ?

3. Determines characteristics of all living organisms Composed of a four-letter nucleotide/molecule alphabet referred to as A, T, C, and G. Order of the alphabet determines the characteristics of the living organism, much like the order of letters in our alphabet determines the words. Each cell in the human body contains >3 BILLION letters.

4. The only difference between living organisms is the amount and order of the DNA alphabet.

5. DNA is like a fingerprint, in that it is unique to each individual and can be used to identify them, even though it is not visible to the naked eye.

7. Where do you find DNA?

10. DNA FACT

11. FACT: You have about 9 million kilometres of DNA. That's enough to reach to the moon and back 13 times! Introduction

12. Strands of DNA are so tiny, you could fit about 5 million strands through the eye of a needle. FACT:

13. Each cell in your body contains 3 billion letters in the DNA: they would fill a stack of paperback books 200 ft high. FACT:

14. Each cell contains 9 feet of DNA. In an average meal, you eat approximately 55,000,000 cells or about 93,205 miles of DNA. Introduction

15. DNA in My Food??? DNA Extraction

16. The scientist must be able to separate DNA from the unwanted substances of the cell gently enough so that the DNA does not denature (break up). The process of extracting DNA from a cell is the first step for many laboratory procedures in biotechnology. DNA is present in the cells of all living organisms.

17. You will prepare a solution of banana treated with salt, distilled water, and dish soap (detergent). Read the introduction on your lab to determine what is the purpose of the detergent and the salt!!

18. DNA in My Food??? Step 1 In a blender, mix two bananas with one cup (250ml) of distilled water. DNA Extraction

19. DNA in My Food??? Step 1 (cont.) Blend for 15-20 seconds, until the solution is a mixture. DNA Extraction

20. DNA in My Food??? Step 2 In one of the cups, make a solution consisting of 1 teaspoon of detergent and two pinches of table salt. DNA Extraction

21. DNA in My Food??? Step 2 (cont.) Add 20 ml (4 teaspoons) of distilled water. Dissolve the salt and detergent by stirring slowly with the plastic spoon to avoid foaming. DNA Extraction

22. DNA in My Food??? Step 3 To the solution you just made, add two heaping teaspoons of the banana mixture from step 1. Mix the solution with the spoon for 5-10 minutes. (Avoid Foaming) DNA Extraction

23. DNA in My Food??? Step 4 While one member of your group mixes the banana solution, another member will place a #2 cone coffee filter inside the second plastic cup. Fold the coffee filter’s edge around the cup so that the filter does not touch the bottom of the cup. DNA Extraction

24. DNA in My Food??? Step 5 Filter the mixture by pouring it into the filter and letting the solution drain for several minutes until there is about 5 ml (covers the bottom of the cup) of filtrate to test. DNA Extraction

25. DNA in My Food??? Step 6 Obtain a test tube of cold isopropyl alcohol or ethanol. DNA Extraction

26. DNA in My Food??? Step 7 Fill the plastic pipette with banana solution (filtrate). DNA Extraction

27. DNA in My Food??? Step 8 Add the solution to the alcohol. Let the mixture sit for 2 to 3 minutes without disturbing it. To get good results…DO NOT SHAKE THE TUBE! DNA Extraction

28. Before you get started… REMEMBER: Take your time and follow directions carefully!! Clean up lab bench when done so we can move to the next activity!! –Make sure there is no water around Most importantly: HAVE FUN!

29. DNA in My Food??? Results You can watch the white DNA precipitate out into the alcohol layer. DNA has the appearance of white, stringy mucus. DNA Extraction