DNA Structure and Properties

The banana DNA isolation procedure is quite different from the laboratory-based version. All of
the materials are available from the grocery store, and no toxic chemicals are involved at any point.
This lesson also emphasizes “why” the procedure works the way it does rather than what is actually
done. Although this lesson itself is not problem-based, it provides the molecular background to go
along with a problem-based case study (beta thalassemia) and proves essential to the student’s
understanding of DNA structure and properties.

Laboratory Exercise

Title: Isolation of Banana DNA Designed for 20 Students ( 4 groups of 5) Approximate

Running Time of Exercise: 1 hour
Purpose:

This laboratory exercise is perfect for those who do not have direct access to biotechnology laboratories and
specific materials related to DNA isolation. The general purpose of this laboratory exercise is to utilize common
household ingredients to extract the DNA from a banana to a glass rod or toothpick. This exercise allows
students to witness the biotechnological phenomenon as the DNA from a banana slowly becomes extracted
and rises to the surface of a medium. This laboratory exercise expands upon the student’s knowledge of the
fragility and seemingly infinitesimal size of DNA and allows the student to interact with DNA from a normal
household fruit in a hands-on experience.

Safety:

To ensure the safety of all participants, this laboratory exercise should be conducted under adult
supervision. Safety goggles are not required due to the nature of the materials being used, but please use
caution when handling the rubbing alcohol and hot water.

Objectives:

Upon completion of this laboratory exercise, students will be able to:

  Develop proper safety and handling techniques to mimic future work in a biotechnology laboratory
 Use standard biotechnology laboratory equipment and materials
 Prepare samples of DNA from a banana
 Observe a sample of DNA and note its fragility

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Materials:

To be able to complete this exercise, you will need the following items:

1. Access to a freezer (for pieces of ice and ice-cold alcohol)

2. One bucket (big enough to hold a bottle of rubbing alcohol) per group of students (5 per group)
3. Ice (enough to partially fill the bottom of each bucket)
4. 2 bananas (½ banana per group)
5. 40 mL of Woolite brand detergent (10 mL per group)
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6. 2 teaspoons table salt (NaCl) (½ teaspoon per group)

7. 360 mL water (90 mL per group) for the soap/salt solution
8. 4 100mL-beakers, or 4 small, clear, plastic cups (one per group)
9. Hot water bath (each group may use this-will require a hot plate)
10. Plastic thermometer
11. Ice water bath (each group may use this-will require extra ice and more water)
12. 8 pieces of cheesecloth (2 per group)
13. 4 small funnels (one per group)
14. 4 test tubes (one per group)
15. 36 mL of ice-cold rubbing alcohol (9 mL of 91% isopropyl alcohol per group)
16. 4 tubes or small cups (one per group to hold the isopropyl alcohol)
17. 4 long toothpicks or clear glass stirring rods (one per group); the glass rods make the DNA easier to
see towards the end of the laboratory exercise
18. A blender (one per group, or just one will do if each group shares)
19. 4 plastic teaspoons (one per group)
20. 4 large pieces of parafilm (one piece per group)
21. 4 measuring cups with mL marks (one per group)
22. Hand mitt to use when removing beakers from the hot water bath

Approach/Procedure:

*Note: Make sure to keep the rubbing alcohol as cold as possible (store it in the freezer and then keep it in
an ice bucket during the laboratory exercise).

1. Read through this entire procedure. Before you begin, predict the appearance of the DNA and write this
on your laboratory note sheet.
2. Obtain one bucket per group, and line the bucket with ice cubes. Place the 9 mL of isopropyl alcohol
within the bucket, and make sure to keep the alcohol submerged amidst the ice to keep it as cold as
possible.
3. Make the soap/salt solution:
a. Carefully blend 10 mL of Woolite brand detergent, ½ teaspoon of NaCl (table salt), and 90
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mL of water in a blender on high speed (making sure the blender top is screwed on tightly to
avoid a potential mess!).
b. Pour this soap/salt solution into a beaker, and place the beaker into a hot water bath (at
about 60C) for approximately 15 minutes. Any temperature hotter than 60C will denature
the DNA, and any period longer than 15 minutes will begin to break down the DNA.
4. After the 15-minute time period, put on the hand mitt and carefully remove the soap/salt solution
from the hot water bath.
5. Blend the incubated soap/salt solution with ½ banana on high speed.
6. Pour the banana mixture back into the beaker, and place the mixture in an ice water bath for 5
minutes to cool it down. This will slow any enzyme’s ability to break down the banana DNA.
7. After the 5-minute time period, carefully place 2 pieces of cheesecloth over a funnel placed in a
beaker. This will filter the mixture and remove any un-pureed pieces of banana.
8. Place 6 mL of the banana filtrate into a test tube.
9. Immediately tilt a test tube slightly and carefully pour 9 mL of ice-cold isopropyl alcohol down the inside of
the slanted test tube. The tube is slanted here to reduce mixing of the alcohol and banana mixture.

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10. Carefully hold the test tube to ensure no mixing of the 2 liquids, and begin to observe the formation of a
clear layer of isopropyl alcohol atop the banana filtrate.
11. Allow the isopropyl alcohol to sit for 5 minutes without jarring the test tube. Bubbles will begin to form
and rise from the bottom of the test tube to the surface of the isopropyl alcohol. You will notice that the
banana DNA will begin to rise and precipitate out of solution. The DNA will be a cloudy white color and
is extremely fragile, so take care to avoid any sudden disturbance to the test tube.
12. Obtain a glass stirring rod or long toothpick, and gently place it into the test tube without disturbing
the solution.
13. Carefully swivel the stirring rod or toothpick between your fingers and watch as the DNA wraps around
the long surface. The DNA will look like white threads as it becomes secured to the stirring rod or
toothpick.

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