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Are you still baffled at what DNA is or what its structure is? Why don't take a look again at this article here?
In the science field, the phrase DNA extraction is mentioned very frequently. DNA extraction is the act of getting the DNA (simple as that), the genetic information storer, of a person or a living organism out from the cell. DNA extraction serves many things in real life for example: Genetic testing, body identification and analysis of forensic evidence
When studying DNA, the DNA needs to be purified from proteins and other cellular contaminants and several steps need to be taken in order. This is how DNA works.
Step 1: Collecting cells from the test subject
DNA in all parts of the body is the same. When collecting cells from the test subject, the easiest way to do this is to collect cheek cells by using a swab. Later on when studying the DNA, only the tip of the swab will be used. Place the sample of cells into an Eppendorf tube.
Step 2: Bursting the DNA open
Put some lysis solution into the tube by using a micro pipette. Lysis solution contains 2 major ingredients: detergent and proteinase K. The detergent breaks apart the plasma membrane of the cell and the nuclear envelope, resulting the DNA being released. In the previous post, it was mentioned that DNA wraps around special proteins call histones and proteinase K cuts open the histones.
Step 3: Separating DNA from proteins and cellular debris
Add some concentrated salt solution using a micropipette into the tube. The salt solution causes proteins and debris to clump together, results in "naked" DNA.
After putting in concentrated salt solution, put the tube into the micro centrifuge.
The micro centrifuge will spin the tube extremely fast which results in the heavy clump of proteins and debris sinking to the bottom and light DNA floating above in the solution.
Suck up the solution and put it in a different Eppendorf tube.
Step 4: Isolate concentrated DNA
Add alcohol into the tube.
DNA is insoluble in alcohol solution so when being added in with alcohol, DNA becomes a precipitate and clumps together.
Finally, place the tube into the micro centrifuge again. Centrifugation makes the DNA sink to the bottom. Suck up the liquid in the tube and let the DNA dry.
In the science field, the phrase DNA extraction is mentioned very frequently. DNA extraction is the act of getting the DNA (simple as that), the genetic information storer, of a person or a living organism out from the cell. DNA extraction serves many things in real life for example: Genetic testing, body identification and analysis of forensic evidence
When studying DNA, the DNA needs to be purified from proteins and other cellular contaminants and several steps need to be taken in order. This is how DNA works.
Step 1: Collecting cells from the test subject
DNA in all parts of the body is the same. When collecting cells from the test subject, the easiest way to do this is to collect cheek cells by using a swab. Later on when studying the DNA, only the tip of the swab will be used. Place the sample of cells into an Eppendorf tube.
Step 2: Bursting the DNA open
Put some lysis solution into the tube by using a micro pipette. Lysis solution contains 2 major ingredients: detergent and proteinase K. The detergent breaks apart the plasma membrane of the cell and the nuclear envelope, resulting the DNA being released. In the previous post, it was mentioned that DNA wraps around special proteins call histones and proteinase K cuts open the histones.
Step 3: Separating DNA from proteins and cellular debris
Add some concentrated salt solution using a micropipette into the tube. The salt solution causes proteins and debris to clump together, results in "naked" DNA.
After putting in concentrated salt solution, put the tube into the micro centrifuge.
The micro centrifuge will spin the tube extremely fast which results in the heavy clump of proteins and debris sinking to the bottom and light DNA floating above in the solution.
Suck up the solution and put it in a different Eppendorf tube.
Step 4: Isolate concentrated DNA
Add alcohol into the tube.
DNA is insoluble in alcohol solution so when being added in with alcohol, DNA becomes a precipitate and clumps together.
Finally, place the tube into the micro centrifuge again. Centrifugation makes the DNA sink to the bottom. Suck up the liquid in the tube and let the DNA dry.
Source: http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/labs/extraction/