DNA Extraction Conclusion

The purpose of this experiment was to try to extract DNA from cells. Before the experiment I had many ideas as to what the DNA would look like once we got it out of the cells. Thinking it would be one long string and a white color, I didn’t think this experiment would be much. Very soon after we started it I was mistaken. We had to apply a few ingredients that played a vital roll in extracting the DNA. First we added detergent to the tube containing the cells. This broke down the fats that helped protect the cell. We then added enzymes, this broke up the proteins in the cells. Next salt was added to saturate the solution. This made it very uncomfortable in the cells. The last step was to add alcohol; this sat at the top of the solution and gave the DNA a place to move to. Also the alcohol is very clear and made it easy to see the DNA. When all of these variables were added to the cells it forces the DNA out and into the alcohol. Every ingredient added was put in to make the DNA uncomfortable in the cells.

This experiment has many examples as to how it is reliable. We had the cells and very easy to understand directions which made it easy to follow. This way there is no way there could have been a mistake. Also all the ingredients were set out for us and we didn’t have to get them ourselves. The cells were placed in clean containers and were capped so no other material except the ones we wanted could get in. Also in this experiment we would be able to see if it wasn’t reliable because I saw the DNA so I know I did it right. As with any experiment there are always so variables that affect the experiment. Like the room temperature, and if everyone put the same amount of each item in there beaker. Although there are some controlled variables, there were a lot of independent variables. Also the result of the experiment came out as it was supposed to I clearly saw the DNA.

Through out this lab I have learned some vital things about cells. I saw how DNA can be extracted from a cell. After we conducted the experiment our teacher explained how each item affected and broke down the cell. Since I learned that salt saturates the cells I now know how it can affect a human. Also, seeing a plants DNA and a persons DNA and how they look a little different, it helps show how our make ups differ. For such a simple experiment I learned so much about a human.