Strand: Lesson:

SBI4U: Molecular Genetics DNA Extraction & Case Study

Enduring Understanding: Achievement Chart: (success criteria)

Recognizes that tissue contains a lot of DNA
Understands the process of DNA extraction Thinking:
from vegetative matter Able to examine different stakeholder
Able to identify and understand different point of view in a biotech socioscientific
perspectives/stakeholders that relate to issue
socioscientific issues
Pros and cons of GMO foods Application:
Able to extract DNA from plant material
Overall Expectations: using household ingredients
A1 demonstrate scientific investigation skills in
the four areas of skills Communication:
D1 analyze some of the social, ethical and legal Use appropriate terminology related to a
issues associated with genetic research and biotech issue
biotechnology Able to complete a KWL chart to identify
D2 investigate, through laboratory activities, gaps in knowledge
the structures of cell components and their Able to complete a Cornell Note Taking
roles in processes that occur within the cell framework to organize ideas
D3 demonstrate an understanding of concepts
related to molecular genetics, and how genetic Knowledge:
modification is applied in industry and Understand the relevance of the various
agriculture steps associated with DNA extraction
Recognize cause/effect and responsibility
Specific Expectations: pertaining to a biotech socioscientific
A1.1 formulate relevant scientific questions issue
about observed relationships, ideas, problems
or issues, make informed predictions, and/or
formulate educated hypotheses to focus
inquiries or research
A1.10 draw conclusions based on inquiry
results and research findings, and justify their
conclusions with reference to scientific
knowledge
A1.11 communicate ideas, plans, procedures,
results, and conclusions orally, in writing,
and/or in electronic presentations, using
appropriate language and a variety of formats
D1.1 analyze, on the basis of research, some of
the social, ethical and legal implications of
biotechnology
D2.3 conduct an investigation to extract DNA
from a specimen of plant or animal protein
 D3.5 Identify some examples of genetic
modification, and explain how it is applied in
industry and agriculture

Resources:
For the wet lab:
o Appendix 1: Student DNA extraction worksheet - 1 copy per student
o Frozen sweet corn: c per student
o Table salt: tsp per student
o Cold Water: 1c per student
o Strainers: 1 per student (alternative: funnel + coffee filter)
o 500ml beaker: 1 per student
o Blenders: minimum 3
o Microscopes: 1 per student
o Glass slides: 1 per student
o Liquid detergent: 30ml per student
o Test tubes: 3 per student
o Enzyme powder: tsp x 3 per student (note: lab assumes culinary meat tenderizer containing
bromelain is used; can substitute vinegar or pineapple juice but will need to adjust procedure)
o Cold Isopropyl alcohol 70-95%: 20ml x 3 per student (note: store in the freezer at least overnight)
o Glass stir rod: 1 per student

For the case study:

o Appendix 2: Case Study Article 1 1 copy per student
o Appendix 3: Case Study Article 2 1 copy per student
o Appendix 4: KWL chart 1 copy per student
o Appendix 5: Cornell Note taking framework 1 copy per student

Wet Lab (Adapted from http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/labs/extraction/howto/) :

Procedure 1. Combine in a blender c frozen sweet corn, tsp salt, 1c cold water.
Blend on high 15s.
2. Strain mixture through strainer into 500ml beaker.
3. Add 30ml liquid detergent to beaker contents, swirl to mix for 30-60s. Let
stand for 5-10 min.
4. Fill test tubes full of soap-corn mixture (~8 ml).
5. Add tsp enzyme powder to each test tube and stir GENTLY (vigorous
agitation shears DNA, making it more difficult to see).
6. Add an equal amount of cold isopropyl alcohol to test tube by tilting test
tube and dribbling alcohol down the side so that alcohol forms a layer on
top of soap-corn mixture.
7. Look for clumps of white stringy substance where water and alcohol
layers meet.
Extract DNA with glass stir rod, smear on glass slides and observe under the
microscope.

Reading Case Study Articles 1 & 2

Classwork/HW KWL chart; Cornell Note taking framework (due in 2 days)

Homework: complete http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/labs/pcr/ &
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/labs/gel/
Focusing Wet Lab Demonstration & Pre-lab activity (concurrent):
Walk the students through extracting DNA from frozen corn. Have students write
up a list of materials necessary to conduct experiment and outline the procedure.
Have them get teacher approval before starting the experiment themselves.

Timing Lesson Sequence Strategies/Activities

0-20 Focusing: demo DNA extraction demo

large class discussion
20-30 Writing up notes for experiment; group work
teacher approval lecture
Socratic (Q and A)
30-60 Distribute articles (articles to be read lab work
during step 3) PEOE
Students complete DNA extraction
problem solving
and analysis
graphic organizer
60-75 Cleanup; distribute KWL chart and gallery walk
Cornell Note Taking framework; finish think-pair-share
reading case study articles jigsaw
placemat
fishbone
four corners
note taking
word wall
worksheet
video
computer assisted
activity
case study
research
inquiry activity

Assessment (of/for/as): of: Classwork questions (slide 8)

of: KWL chart
of: Cornell Note Taking framework
of: DNA extraction worksheet

Accommodations/Modifications:

Reflections (what worked): Reflections

(improvement/replacement):