DNA Extraction Virtual Lab

DNA Extraction Virtual Lab 1. Give two reasons why a scientist might want to extract human DNA. To study diseases and compare your DNA to others. 2. Why do we need cells in order to do DNA extraction? The ability to extract DNA is of primary importance to studying the genetic causes of disease and for the development of diagnostics and drugs. It is also essential for carrying out forensic science, sequencing genomes, detecting bacteria and viruses in the environment and for determining paternity. 3. Describe how a cell, chromosome, and DNA relate to one another. DNA is the cell's genetic material, contained in chromosomes within the cell nucleus and mitochondria. ... A chromosome contains many genes. A gene is a segment of DNA that provides the code to construct a protein. The DNA molecule is a long, coiled double helix that resembles a spiral staircase. 4. Why do we use cheek cells to gather DNA? Cheek cells are often studied in school laboratory settings because they can be easily obtained through a mouth rinse or simple swab. Yet, though the individual cells appear very simple under the microscope, they each contain the genetic make-up of the entire body. 5. What are the 4 steps to follow to purify DNA from a cheek swab? Lysis, precipitation, wash, and resuspention. 6. Some of the equipment needed to extract DNA is listed below. Define each term: a. Sample tube (Eppendorf Tube) A tube you put samples into b. Mirco-centrifuge A centrifuge used in laboratories to separate materials from small samples c. Micropipette A common yet an essential laboratory instrument used to accurately and precisely transfer volumes of liquid in the microliter range d. Lysis solution A lysis buffer is a buffer solution used for the purpose of breaking open cells for use in molecular biology experiments that analyze the labile macromolecules of the cells 7. Note that the buccal swab is covered with hundreds of tiny cells. Inside each cell is a nucleus and inside the nucleus is nucleolus. 8. What does “lysis” mean? The disintegration of a cell by rupture of the cell wall or membrane. 9. What does the detergent do? A detergent is a chemical substance you use to break up and remove grease and grime, while soap is simply one kind of detergent. Soap has a long history and was originally made from purely natural products like goat's fat and wood ash. 10. What does the salt solution do? Salt triggers osmosis by attracting the water and causing it to move toward it, across the membrane. 11. Why is a tube of water added to the micro-centrifuge along with the sample tube? If you are spinning more than two tubes, only the tubes directly opposite each other have to be equal in mass. At high speeds, a centrifuge can easily become unbalanced if equal masses aren't located opposite each other in the rotor. 12. After using the centrifuge, where is the DNA in the sample tube? After centrifugation, all the cell debris has been forced to the bottom of the PCR tube 13. What is the purpose of the isopropyl alcohol? Isopropyl alcohol is mixed with water for use as a rubbing-alcohol antiseptic. It is also used in aftershave lotions, hand lotions, and other cosmetics. In industry it is used as an inexpensive solvent for cosmetics, drugs, shellacs, and gums, as well as for denaturing ethanol 14. What are the common household items used in the DNA extraction process? Water, salt, dishsoap, rubbing alcohol.