DNA Extraction and Gel Analysis Prelab

Pre-Lab Exercise: DNA Extraction and Gel Analysis Lab

Print and hand in this exercise at the beginning of the Sensors Lab. It will count as the quiz for the Sensors Lab

DNA EXTRACTION FROM PLANTS AND ANIMALS

1. What type of cell is the human body made of?
2. Is it easier to extract DNA from a cheek cell or a fruit cell? Why?

DNA LOCATION & RELEASE

3. Make a rough diagram showing all the barriers (membranes and walls) that need to be broken down in order to release DNA.
4. Label each membrane or wall.
5. Draw an X where the DNA should be found.
6. What do we use to degrade these barriers?
7. Explain how the substances above degrade the barriers.

EXTRACTION PROCEDURE

8. What are the 3 steps for extracting DNA from a plant cell?
9. Which step would be skipped if we extracted DNA from a chicken liver? Why?

STRUCTURE OF CELL MEMBRANES

10. Find in a reference book (biology) or online a representation of a phospholipid bilayer. Indicate and Label the lipid molecules and the proteins.

CRITICAL INGREDIENTS

11. Why do we use soap?
12. Why do we use salt?
13. Why do we use alcohol?

DNA DIGESTION

14. Why do we use restriction enzymes?
15. Name two factors that affect activity of enzymes.
16. What is a palindrome? Why is that term related to this experiment?
17. What is an incubator used for in general?
18. Why do we need one for this lab?

GEL ELECTROPHORESIS

19. Why does the DNA molecule migrate through the gel?

BANDING PATTERN

20. What is DNA sequencing?
21. How can it be used in forensics?

HOW LONG DID IT TAKE YOU TO COMPLETE THIS PRE-LAB?