DNA Extraction Lab Conclusion

In this lab, the question was asked how can DNA be separated from the cheek in order to study it. We found that DNA can be separated from the cheek by mixing saliva with salt, detergent, and pineapple juice and then layer the mixture with isopropanol alcohol. When both liquids were separately together in the test tube, DNA rose to where the liquids split and was in suspension. In the information that we collected, we learned that in order to separate DNA, we must homogenize the tissue with a polar liquid. To isolate the DNA,  salt helps precipitation by moving DNA molecules closer together and detergent preforms lysis on the cell membranes. Pineapple juice contains catabolic proteases, which are enzymes that break down histones that DNA molecules wrap around. Alcohol is added to the mixture with the broken down DNA inside, and since alcohol is non polar the DNA precipitated  into an insoluble solid in the middle of the test tube. This shows how different enzymes and solutions can work together to separate DNA from the cheek.
One error that could have happened is that we mixed alcohol with the gatorade mixture. If this happened, then the DNA would have no place in the middle to meet and the solution would be too mixed up. To prevent this, we could pour the alcohol very slowly at an angle with care. Another error that could have happened is that we didn't add pineapple juice. This would mean the enzyme in pineapple juice doesn't break down the DNA and it wouldn't be as visible. To prevent this, we could read the procedure with more care.
The purpose of this lab was to see what DNA looks like and how we can extract it using different solutions. In class, we learned about how the structure of DNA is a long double- helix that in thin like a string, and in the lab we saw that DNA is stringy like clumped yarn. From this lab I learned that by mixing two liquids, I can extract an insoluble solid and I can use precipitation in other situations where I need to separate elements.