Why do different fruits yield different amounts of DNA?
The simple answer is that not all fruits are the same; extractable DNA can vary from fruit type to type, and even with the same fruit, it may vary from stage to stage. But other fruits may have more extractable DNA as they ripen because the cell walls are getting softer and the tissue easier to mash.
Why do strawberries yield more DNA than Kiwis?
Strawberries are soft and easy to pulverize. Strawberries have large genomes; they are octoploid, which means they have eight of each type of chromosome in each cell. Thus, strawberries are an exceptional fruit to use in DNA extraction labs and strawberries yield more DNA than any other fruit (i.e. banana, kiwi, etc.).
Why is it easier to extract DNA from strawberries?
Why use strawberries? Strawberries are octoploid, meaning that their cells each have eight duplicate copies of each chromosome. This gives the cells a lot of DNA, which means it is easier to extract a large amount of DNA that is visible to the naked eye.
What fruit is best for DNA extraction?
Experiment to purify DNA from fruit Bananas, kiwis and strawberries all work well. (Remove the skin of the bananas and kiwi, we just want the insides!) Step 2: In a separate bowl, mix the washing up liquid, salt and tap water. Stir gently trying to avoid making too many bubbles in the mixture.
Why Does banana yield more DNA?
The ripe and over ripe bananas produced a smaller amount of DNA because the cells that stick the nutrition break down and begin to decompose when it begins to ripen. The outcome showed me that over ripe kiwis and strawberries produce more measurable DNA.
Does the ripeness of fruit affect DNA extraction?
The nutritional value of fruit decreases as it ripens because the cells that bind the nutrients break down and begin the process of decomposition. Because DNA is stored in cells, the amount of extractable DNA in fruit is decreased as cells are destroyed in the ripening process.
Why do strawberries yield more DNA than other fruits?
Strawberries yield more DNA than any other fruit because they have eight copies of each type of chromosome. The long, thick fibers of DNA store the information for the functioning of the chemistry of life. DNA is present in every cell of plants and animals.
Why do bananas yield high amounts of DNA?
What is DNA extraction fruit?
Add a small portion of banana (or an alternative fruit) to a sandwich bag and carefully pour in 50 mL of the extraction mixture, seal the bag (make sure you remove as much as the air as possible so the bag doesn’t burst!) Mash the banana into really small pieces; this is breaking down the cells releasing the DNA.
Do fruits have DNA?
All living things have DNA. This hands-on activity will enable you to extract DNA from fruit, such as strawberries, using everyday household items.