DNA extraction... Help, please.

[angela&4boys]

Ds is doing an activity in BJU Science. We need an organic substance alternative to raw wheat germ. Any suggestions?

[Erica in OR]

I'm not familiar with the BJU Science DNA extraction activity (have done a DNA extraction with onion and liver previously). http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/archive/wheatgerm/index.html lists other possible DNA sources for the wheat germ experiment: "such as oatmeal, seeds, yeast, etc.", but says the procedure may need to be modified, such as longer soaking. This NOVA activity (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/teachers/activities/pdf/3214_01_nsn_01.pdf) uses bananas.

 

Erica in OR

[Shay]

My 8th grade ds just did a science fair project on this. He used dried lentils that I had in the cabinet and he utilized the food processor to break them up (ask me how I know he opened the little lid on the tube....)

 

He waited till the night before to do his project and I let him deal with the consequences of his procrastination on his own. Consequently, he was up till 2 am finishing it. So, I didn't witness the entire process, but he did get good results.

[Chris in VA]

Ds used split peas in Apologia.

[angela&4boys]

Thanks so much, ladies. :)

[twins05]

This is very easy! I did it this year with my 5 and 7 yr. olds. At the end we used a bamboo skewer to "spool" the DNA. Here's a link with a great step-by-step video:

http://www.thetech.org/genetics/medicine.php

Good luck!

[Angel]

Dh did DNA extraction for our co-op. He got the best results from a banana. We have a picture of it :001_smile:

[Vida Winter]

We did this last year with banana -- good results.