Extracting DNA
When did you first learn how to extract DNA? If you’ve never learned, would you like to?
The first time I extracted DNA from whole blood was at the ripe old age of 24 in my third year of grad school. It was a fascinating process of adding various solutions, pouring them out, vortexing, centrifuging, and eventually seeing the DNA precipitate into a pellet.
Kids are learning how to extract DNA in junior high school now, although not with whole blood, of course, which is a biohazardous material. At MacIntyre Park Middle School in Georgia, seventh graders are learning to extract DNA from peanuts with the guidance of professors at the University of Georgia.
Even at the students’ level it’s a tedious process. Salt and soap buffer and clean the specimen. Then alcohol brings the DNA into place. “That coldness shocks it and makes the DNA rise to the highest level,” says Virginia Wood.
From there, the identification and transfer process begins. Confusing? That’s why students like David Ross are learning it so early. “It will give me a push so I know what I’m doing,” he says.
You can learn how to extract DNA at home following directions from the Genetic Science Learning Center at The University of Utah.
Thanks to reader Brad for the DNA extraction link.
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POSTED IN: General Genetics and Health
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6 opinions for Extracting DNA
Richard Smith
Aug 24, 2005 at 3:44 pm
Now, am I gonna have to add to my list of things to do in my life, draw DNA? hummmm
Glo
Aug 24, 2005 at 7:30 pm
those kids are so lucky, I’ve just learned DNA extraction 3 years ago, but from rice leaves.
Lei
Aug 24, 2005 at 8:33 pm
Richard, DNA is about as easy to prepare as your dinner! Give it a try. ;)
Glo, My middle school science classes were great, but when I got to high school, it was quite a disappointment. I know some kids get to do all kinds of cool stuff now. Almost makes me wish I was back in high school…well, maybe not. ha
ladygoat
Aug 25, 2005 at 1:32 pm
I think I did it with bananas in college.
Lei
Aug 26, 2005 at 7:07 am
Ladygoat, double entendre?
Genetics and Health » DNA in a Pinch
Mar 1, 2007 at 10:28 am
[…] Being stuck at home with bored kids qualifies as an emergency in my book, try setting up experiments involving genetics and DNA. You can visit websites, buy a kit, or extract DNA. […]
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