Curricula
Strawberry DNA Extraction
In this lab activity, DNA is extracted from strawberries which allows students to see the DNA they isolate. DNA extraction is a fundamental procedure used in many types of experiments. This introductory lesson helps prepare students for more advanced labs that may call for DNA extraction. Strawberries are used because they are accessible and very easy to squish and break down, as they contain cellulase and pectinase. Students also may wish to repeat this experiment with samples of interest, such as different fruit.
In the online version of this lesson, students have the opportunity to perform the lab using common household items and/or watch a video of a student performing the lab and analyze various images of results.
Learning Objectives
- Explain how to extract DNA from living organisms and the scientific reasoning for using the materials involved.
- Practice reading and following a basic lab protocol.
Prior Knowledge
- Observe plant cells under microscope and identify the cell wall, cell membrane, cytoplasm and nucleus
- The nucleus is surrounded by the nuclear membrane (envelope), which contains DNA molecules
- DNA molecules code for proteins which carry out most of the work of cells
- Review role of organelles in eukaryotic organisms
BABEC resources are created and intended for use in Google Suite, access the Strawberry DNA Extraction google drive folder to directly add the materials to your own drive. You can also preview and download each individual file below.
Please check out all the videos we have for this lab here
Lesson Resources
Lab Resources
Supplemental Resources
Disciplinary Core Ideas:
LS1.A – Structure and Function “All cells contain genetic information in the form of DNA molecules”
Science and Engineering Practices:
Constructing Explanations
Crosscutting Concepts:
Scale, Proportion and Quantity