extracting dna from kiwi

Question 1

how can DNA be extracted from kiwis

Answer 1

1) break up the cells using a pestle and mortar
2) mix cells with a solution of detergent and salt
3) incubate at 60°C for 15 minutes and cool on ice
4) filter solution
5) add pineapple juice
6) pour ice cold ethanol down the side of the tube

Question 2

what is the purpose of breaking up the cells using a pestle and mortar

Answer 2

breaks down the cell wall

Question 3

what is the purpose of mixing cells with a solution of detergent and salt

Answer 3

the detergent helps break down the plasma and nuclear membranes. the salt helps to remove proteins bound to DNA

Question 4

what is the purpose of incubating the solution for 15 minutes then cooling it with ice

Answer 4

allows time for membranes to be broken down, DNA to clump but also inhibits nucleases that would break down the DNA

Question 5

what is the point of filtering the solution

Answer 5

removes insoluble cellular parts (e.g. cell walls, membranes), leaving the DNA in the filtrate

Question 6

what is point of adding the pineapple juice

Answer 6

contains protease that breaks down proteins bound to DNA

Question 7

what is the purpose of pouring ice cold ethanol down the side of the rube

Answer 7

precipitates the DNA from the filtrate