Human DNA Extraction Lab Conclusion

   In this lab, we asked the question, "How can DNA be separated from cheek cells in order to study it?" We found that the separation of DNA occurs in three simple steps: homogenization, lysis, and precipitation. It is necessary to first break down the cell membrane and nuclear material by homogenizing, or to making similar in function, the cell tissue with a polar(covalent bond's electron's shared unequally) liquid. During the homogenization steps, the outer layer of the polar DNA cells broke down in the polar Gatorade. We created a mixture of Gatorade and saliva(polar) and then we added cold alcohol (nonpolar, where covalent bond's electrons are shared evenly). The combonation of the polar and nonpolar solutions created a precipate or separated substance. After collecting some information we learned that the sodium chloride(salt) added to the solution assists the separation by blocking negative phosphate ends of the DNA, enabling them to travel closer together. Soap is then added to the solution to lyse, or destroy the cells and release the opened DNA. Then catobolic proteases, a group of enzymes(catalysts, or substances used to speed up chemical reactions) used to break down protiens called histones(structural proteins of chromosomes), are mixed in the form of pineapple juice. Then, 95% isopropanol alcohol, with a different density than the mixture, is layered above it in a test tube. Because the DNA is polar and the alcohol is nonpolar, DNA is separated from the solution.
   While our hypothesis was supported by our data, there could have been errors due to the fact that our table group was challenged to number the procedure on our own. This could be improved by practicing these important skills beforehand rather than suddenly in the face of a new lab. Another possible error could have been the non-specific amount of gatorade being used in the mixture to collect the DNA. This problem can be solved by simply using measuring cups, or labeling the disposable paper cups with measurements for accuracy. These errors would have skewed the results greatly if brought to an extreme, but luckily our group seemed to handle the lab pretty well.
   This experiment tested our basic lab skills as well as our ability to apply collected information. This lab was done to demonstrate the complex process of achieving a precipitate, by using the basic knowledge we have learned from recent as well as previous vodcasts. From this lab, I not only learned a lot of new vocabulary, but how it relates to the concepts we have been studying in class. This extra background helps me put everything together to make a lot more sense, aiding me in understanding these major concepts. Based on my experience from this lab, I feel like I can especially apply the critical thinking skills I've been introduced to in future experiments.