DNA extraction

Question 1

Describe the stages of DNA extraction

Answer 1

1) Release the cell contents - Add salt and a small amount of cold water to the plant material and either blend or grind with a pestle and mortar.
2) Strain off the larger plant material and mix the resulting macerate with detergent ( breaks phospholipid bonds)
3) Add protease enzyme to separate the DNA from the histones proteins
4) GENTLY add a very cold layer of ethanol - causes DNA to precipitate out of the solution, seen as white strands.

Question 2

What is the role of ethanol?

Answer 2

To remove salts and other impurities

Question 3

What is the role of salt

Answer 3

Aids the precipitation of DNA when ethanol is added.