Titas Mallick | +91 9123774239 | http://www.eugenicserudite.xyz
Introduction: DNA isolation is a fundamental process in molecular biology, unlocking the genetic information that underpins all living organisms. From complex laboratory procedures to simple educational demonstrations, DNA isolation methods allow us to extract, visualize, and explore the blueprint of life. While sophisticated techniques in research labs yield high-purity DNA samples for analysis, even basic household materials can be used to introduce students to the awe-inspiring world of genetics. In this journey, we will explore the principles of DNA isolation, the educational value of hands-on extraction, and the limitations inherent to such methods.
The Isolation Protocol: Step Procedure Materials Needed Observations 1 Peel and cut a ripe banana into small pieces. Ripe banana Banana pieces 2 Mash the banana pieces in a Ziplock bag. Ziplock bag Mashed banana 3 Add 10 ml of extraction buffer (salt solution) to the bag. Seal the bag and gently squeeze, mash, and mix for 2 minutes. Salt solution (1/2 tsp salt in 1/3 cup water), Ziplock bag Mixed solution 4 Filter the mixture through a funnel lined with a coffee filter into a container. Funnel, coffee filter, container Filtered solution 5 Transfer the filtered solution back to the bag. Add 1-2 tsp dishwashing liquid, seal the bag, and gently mix by turning the bag upside down. Dishwashing liquid, Ziplock bag Mixed Solution 6 Let the bag sit in an ice bath for 10 minutes. Ice bath – 7 Filter the contents of the bag again through a coffee filter into a clean container. Funnel, coffee filter, container Filtered solution 8 Slowly pour chilled isopropanol down the side of the container to precipitate DNA. Isopropanol, container White strands at the interface 9 Gently scoop out the DNA strands with a stick. Wooden or plastic stick DNA strands 10 Observe the DNA under a magnifying glass or microscope. Magnifying glass or microscope Visible DNA strands
Materials Needed: – Ripe banana – Dishwashing liquid (without enzymes or bleach) – Table salt (NaCl) – Water – Ziplock plastic bag – Coffee filter or cheesecloth – Isopropanol (rubbing alcohol) – Small glass or plastic container
Procedure: 1. Prepare the Extraction Buffer: In a glass or plastic container, mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt (NaCl) with 1/3 cup of water. Stir until the salt is dissolved.
2. Mash the Banana: Peel and cut the banana into small pieces. Place the banana pieces in the Ziplock bag and seal it.
3. Extract DNA: Add 10 ml of extraction buffer (salt solution) to the bag with the banana. Seal the bag and gently squeeze, mash, and mix the banana and buffer together for about 2 minutes.
4.Filter the Mixture: Line a funnel with a coffee filter or cheesecloth and place it over a new container. Pour the banana-buff er mixture through the filter to remove larger particles and obtain a filtered liquid.
5. Add Dish Soap: Transfer the filtered liquid back into the Ziplock bag. Add 1-2 teaspoons of dishwashing liquid to the bag. Seal the bag and gently mix the solution by turning the bag upside down several times. Avoid excessive shaking to prevent foaming.
6. Precipitate DNA: Place the bag in an ice bath (optional, but it can help increase DNA yield). Let it sit for about 10 minutes.
7. Filter Again: Filter the contents of the bag again through a coffee filter into a clean container to remove any remaining debris or large bubbles.
8. Precipitate DNA with Alcohol: Slowly pour chilled isopropanol (rubbing alcohol) down the side of the container, forming a layer on top of the liquid. You should see white, stringy DNA strands forming at the interface between the alcohol and the banana mixture.
9. Retrieve DNA: Use a plastic or wooden stick to gently scoop out the DNA strands. Transfer the DNA to a small container filled with water.
10. Observe and Store: You can observe the extracted DNA using a magnifying glass or microscope. To store the DNA, you can place it in a small container filled with water. Keep in mind that this DNA might not be suitable for advanced molecular biology experiments due to the presence of contaminants.
Remember that this protocol is meant for educational purposes and might not yield highly purified DNA suitable for research.
The function of the Materials: Material Role Ripe banana Source of cells containing DNA. Ziplock bag Container for mashing banana and mixing solutions, preventing spills. Salt solution Provides an extraction buffer that helps break down cell membranes. Funnel Used to direct the filtered mixture into a container. Coffee filter Filters out larger particles, debris, and solids from the mixture. Dishwashing liquid Breaks down cell membranes and proteins, releasing DNA. Ice bath Cools the solution and helps slow down enzyme activity. Isopropanol Precipitates DNA out of solution due to its insolubility. Wooden or plastic stick is Used to gently scoop and observe DNA strands. Magnifying glass/microscope Used to visually inspect and observe the extracted DNA
A detailed explanation of the function of hot water, dishwashing liquid, and salt in the educational DNA isolation procedure: 1. Hot Water (Boiling Water Bath): Hot water is used in the procedure to aid in breaking down cell membranes and proteins, helping to release DNA from the cells. The heat denatures enzymes and disrupts the lipid bilayer of cell membranes, facilitating the extraction process. Heating the mixture in a boiling water bath also increases the efficiency of the extraction by accelerating the breakdown of cell structures. After heating, the mixture is cooled slightly before proceeding to subsequent steps. 2. Dishwashing Liquid (Detergent): Dishwashing liquid contains surfactants that can break down cell membranes and solubilize lipids and proteins. In this procedure, dishwashing liquid acts as a cell lysis agent, disrupting the cell membranes and releasing cellular contents, including DNA. The detergent surrounds and separates the lipids in the cell membrane, forming micelles that encapsulate the lipids and proteins, allowing DNA to be released into the solution. It also helps to solubilize proteins, ensuring that they don’t interfere with the DNA precipitation step. Dishwashing detergents like those used in dishwashers often contain a combination of surfactants (such as SDS) and chelating agents (such as EDTA). The specific formulation of dishwasher detergents can vary, but these components are commonly included to effectively remove food residues, grease, and stains from dishes. EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) is often used in DNA extraction protocols as a chelating agent to bind divalent metal ions, such as magnesium and calcium. Its role in DNA extraction is to prevent the degradation of DNA by inhibiting the activity of enzymes like DNases that require metal ions as cofactors. SDS (Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate) is a detergent commonly used in DNA extraction methods to break down cell membranes and nuclear membranes. It helps solubilize cell components and disrupt cellular structures, aiding in the release of DNA. 3. Salt Solution: The salt solution, also referred to as the extraction buffer, has several functions in the procedure. The primary role of salt is to create an osmotic environment that helps to break down the cell walls and membranes, releasing cellular contents. Additionally, the salt ions (sodium and chloride) in the solution can help neutralize the negative charges on DNA (DNA molecules have a highly negatively charged phosphate backbone due to the presence of phosphate groups. In order to isolate or purify DNA, especially during precipitation steps, it’s beneficial to neutralize these negative charges. Neutralization reduces the electrostatic repulsion between DNA molecules, allowing them to come closer together and form aggregates that are more easily visible and manipulable.) and cellular components, aiding in DNA precipitation in later steps. The salt solution also contributes to maintaining the integrity of the DNA by stabilizing it in the solution. In summary, hot water, dishwashing liquid, and salt all play crucial roles in different stages of the DNA isolation procedure. Hot water helps to break down cell structures, dishwashing liquid disrupts cell membranes and solubilizes contents, and the salt solution assists in breaking down cell walls and stabilizing DNA. These components, when used together, create an environment conducive to the extraction of DNA from a banana sample. Identification of the DNA: Observation under the microscope can show the presence of DNA as distinct strand in the precipitate, but do not expect the double helical structure can be seen, as that was a model deciphered by the X-ray crystallography techniques.
Chemical Tests to prove it is DNA: Dische Diphenylamine Test: The Dische diphenylamine test is a classic chemical test used to detect the presence of deoxyribose sugar in DNA. It’s a bit more complex than the other tests and might require extra materials. Procedure: 1.Prepare a test solution with the extracted material. 2.Add a few drops of Dische reagent (a mixture of diphenylamine and sulfuric acid) to the solution. 3.Observe for a color change. A blue color that develops over time indicates the presence of deoxyribose sugar, which is a characteristic of DNA.
HCl Test: Materials Needed: DNA-containing solution Hydrochloric acid (HCl) Orcinol solution (0.1% in HCl) Water bath or hot plate Procedure: 1.Take a small volume of the DNA-containing solution in a test tube. 2.Add a few drops of hydrochloric acid (HCl) to the solution and mix gently. 3.Place the test tube in a boiling water bath or on a hot plate and heat for about 5 minutes. 4.Remove the test tube from the heat and let it cool slightly. 5.Add a few drops of orcinol solution to the test tube. 6.Mix the solution and observe for color change. Observation: A purple or blue color developing in the test tube indicates the presence of deoxyribose sugar, which suggests the presence of DNA.
Copper Sulfate (CuSO4) Test: Materials Needed: DNA-containing solution Hydrochloric acid (HCl) Copper sulfate solution (5% in water) Water bath or hot plate Procedure: 1.Take a small volume of the DNA-containing solution in a test tube. 2.Add a few drops of hydrochloric acid (HCl) to the solution and mix gently. 3.Place the test tube in a boiling water bath or on a hot plate and heat for about 5 minutes. 4.Remove the test tube from the heat and let it cool slightly. 5.Add a few drops of copper sulfate solution to the test tube. 6.Mix the solution and observe for color change. Observation: A purple or violet color developing in the test tube indicates the presence of deoxyribose sugar, suggesting the presence of DNA
Step Procedure Observations 1 Take a small volume of the DNA-containing solution in a test tube. – 2 Add a few drops of hydrochloric acid (HCl) to the solution and mix gently. – 3 Place the test tube in a boiling water bath or on a hot plate and heat for about 5 minutes. – 4 Remove the test tube from the heat and let it cool slightly. – 5 Add a few drops of copper sulfate solution to the test tube. – 6 Mix the solution and observe for color change. A purple or violet color developing indicates the presence of deoxyribose sugar.
Mechanism of CuSO4 Test: Reaction 1: Deoxyribose (present in DNA) + Hydrochloric Acid → Hydrolysis of deoxyribose Reaction 2: Hydrolyzed deoxyribose + Copper Sulfate → Formation of a purple or violet complex (due to the interaction between hydrolyzed deoxyribose and copper sulfate)
Boric Acid Test for DNA Presence (unspecific test): Materials Needed: DNA-containing solution Boric acid solution (0.5 M) Procedure: 1.Prepare a small volume of the DNA-containing solution in a test tube. 2.Add a few drops of the boric acid solution to the test tube. 3.Mix the solution and observe for any changes. Observation: If the boric acid test produces a white precipitate or a visible change in the solution, it might suggest the presence of DNA. However, keep in mind that this test is not specific for DNA and may also react with other components in the mixture.
Limitations: Lack of Specificity: The Boric Acid Test is not specific to DNA. Other molecules containing hydroxyl groups could potentially react with boric acid and produce similar results. Therefore, any changes observed might not conclusively confirm the presence of DNA. Sensitivity: The test might not be very sensitive to trace amounts of DNA. Large quantities of DNA might be needed to observe a noticeable change in the solution. Educational Use: This test is primarily used for educational purposes or as a historical demonstration. In modern molecular biology, more sophisticated methods are used to analyze DNA.
Please note that DNA’s chemical nature is complex, and while these tests might provide some visual indications, they are not definitive proof of DNA presence. For reliable confirmation of DNA presence and characteristics, advanced molecular techniques are necessary.
Why are we using Banana? Higher DNA Content in Polyploidy: Polyploidy refers to the condition where an organism possesses more than two sets of chromosomes in its cells. This can result from errors in cell division or from intentional breeding practices. Bananas are often cited as an example of a polyploid organism, specifically the cultivated varieties.
Polyploidy can lead to an increase in the total amount of DNA present in the cells of an organism. In bananas, certain cultivated varieties, such as the Cavendish banana, are believed to be triploid, meaning they have three sets of chromosomes. This extra genetic material contributes to a higher DNA content within each cell.
Polyploidy in Bananas: Polyploidy is the presence of more than two sets of chromosomes in an organism’s cells. It can occur naturally through various mechanisms, including errors in cell division. Bananas, particularly some cultivated varieties like the Cavendish banana, are thought to be polyploid. One common example is the triploid nature of many cultivated bananas, which means they have three sets of chromosomes.
The reasons for the polyploidy in bananas are not entirely clear, but it’s believed to be a combination of factors, including natural selection and adaptation. Polyploidy can lead to greater genetic diversity, which can enhance the plant’s ability to survive and adapt to different environments.
Parthenocarpy in Bananas: Parthenocarpy is the development of fruit without fertilization. In many cultivated banana varieties, including the Cavendish, the bananas develop without the need for pollination and fertilization. This process results in seedless bananas. Parthenocarpy is often associated with polyploidy in bananas.
Relationship Between Polyploidy and Parthenocarpy: Source 1: Polyploidy and parthenocarpy can be linked in bananas. Polyploidy can sometimes lead to changes in reproductive processes, including fruit development. In the case of bananas, the triploid nature resulting from polyploidy is thought to contribute to the development of seedless, parthenocarpic fruit. The absence of viable seeds in cultivated bananas is a characteristic associated with this relationship. Source 2: While parthenocarpy and polyploidy are well-documented traits in cultivated banana varieties, the relationship between these two characteristics is not necessarily one causing the other. They are independent traits that have evolved through different genetic and physiological mechanisms. My findings: Looking at the following fruits banana, citrus, grapes, watermelon, pineapple, pomegranate, mango, papaya, cantaloupe, honeydew melon, fig, mulberry, persimmon, kiwifruit, avocado, starfruit, lychee, longan, rambutan, cherimoya, durian, jackfruit I found 38.9% of them are polyploids, and all of them are parthenocarpic, overall percentages of polyploids and parthenocarpic fruits among the angiosperms can not be estimated properly, so no conclusion can directly be drawn with the relationship between parthenocarpy and polypliods, though it seems it could have been a open fied of research in agriculture.
Purity of the isolated DNA: A rough estimate for the purity of DNA obtained from these methods might be in the range of 10% to 30%. This means that only a small portion of the material you obtain would be actual DNA, with the rest being contaminants such as cellular debris, proteins, and other molecules.
This is purely an educational protocol, for lab grade DNA isolation with higher purity much more sophisticated methods are used, like phenol-chloroform method.
Phenol-Chloroform DNA extraction procedure: Step Description 1. Sample Preparation Collect and homogenize biological sample. 2. Cell Lysis Break cell membranes using lysis buffer. 3. Protein Removal Add phenol-chloroform mixture to separate phases. 4. DNA Precipitation Precipitate DNA using cold ethanol or isopropanol. 5. DNA Wash Wash DNA pellet to remove residual contaminants. 6. DNA Resuspension Resuspend DNA pellet in appropriate buffer or water. 7. Quantification and Analysis Measure DNA concentration and assess quality.
Ensuring DNA purity in lab conditions is crucial for accurate downstream applications, as impurities can compromise results and affect experiments’ reliability and reproducibility. Purity check of DNA: The purity check of DNA involves assessing the quality of a DNA sample by determining the presence of contaminants or impurities that could affect downstream applications. One common method for checking DNA purity is to measure the absorbance of the sample at different wavelengths using a spectrophotometer. The two most important ratios used to assess DNA purity are the A260/A280 ratio and the A260/A230 ratio. A260/A280 Ratio: The A260/A280 ratio is the ratio of the absorbance of DNA at 260 nm (A260) to the absorbance at 280 nm (A280). This ratio is used to assess the purity of the DNA sample in terms of protein contamination. Pure DNA typically has an A260/A280 ratio of around 1.8, indicating minimal protein contamination. A260/A230 Ratio: The A260/A230 ratio is the ratio of the absorbance of DNA at 260 nm (A260) to the absorbance at 230 nm (A230). This ratio is used to assess the presence of other contaminants such as salts, organic solvents, and carbohydrates. Procedure: 1. Prepare the DNA sample for analysis, ensuring it is properly diluted if needed. 2. Set up the spectrophotometer and blank it using a suitable blank solution, such as the buffer used for DNA resuspension. 3. Measure the absorbance of the DNA sample at 260 nm, 280 nm, and 230 nm. 4. Calculate the A260/A280 ratio by dividing the A260 value by the A280 value. Similarly, calculate the A260/A230 ratio by dividing the A260 value by the A230 value. Interpretation: – A260/A280 Ratio: A ratio close to 1.8 indicates that the DNA sample is relatively pure, with minimal protein contamination. Ratios significantly lower than 1.8 might suggest protein contamination, while ratios higher than 1.8 could indicate the presence of RNA. – A260/A230 Ratio: A ratio above 1.8 indicates good purity, while ratios below 1.8 might indicate the presence of contaminants such as salts or organic compounds. These ratios provide valuable insights into the quality of the DNA sample, ensuring that it’s suitable for downstream applications like PCR, sequencing, and other molecular biology techniques. It’s important to follow standardized protocols and use high-quality reagents for accurate results.
Reason behind the Practical: Engages students in hands-on learning about DNA extraction. Introduces basic molecular biology concepts. Sparks interest in science and genetics. Promotes critical thinking and experimental skills. Creates a memorable and interactive educational experience. Bridges theory and practical understanding of DNA’s structure and function. Cultivates curiosity about biological processes. Fosters teamwork and collaboration in laboratory settings. Builds foundational skills for future scientific endeavors. Empowers students with real-world applications of scientific techniques.
Conclusion: From peeling back the layers of molecular biology to igniting curiosity in budding scientists, DNA isolation holds the power to connect us to the essence of life itself. Educational methods, though limited in purity and precision, serve as windows into the world of genetics for learners of all ages. As we manipulate dish soap, alcohol, and fruit to reveal the DNA strands within, we unveil the intricate beauty of genetic information. These demonstrations remind us that while the process may be simplified, the essence and wonder of DNA remain unchanged, inspiring future generations to delve deeper into the mysteries of life.
Precautions: 1.Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and lab coats. 2.Handle chemicals with care, avoiding skin and eye contact. 3.Use designated areas for waste disposal of chemicals and biological materials. 4.Follow protocol steps accurately to ensure safe and reliable results. 5.Work in a well-ventilated area to minimize exposure to fumes and vapors. 6.Keep the work area clean and organized to prevent cross-contamination. 7.Minimize exposure to UV light during gel electrophoresis if using it for visualization. 8.Dispose of used materials, such as gloves and pipette tips, properly in designated waste containers. 9.Avoid ingestion or inhalation of reagents, especially those that can be harmful. 10.Seek guidance from a qualified instructor or supervisor for safe handling of materials and equipment.
©Titas Mallick, 2023, +91 9123774239, eugenics.erudite@gmail.com, http://www.eugenicserduite.xyz