Human DNA Extraction Lab Conclusion

In this lab we asked the question of "how can DNA be separated from cheek cells in order to study it?" We found that you can separate DNA from cheek cells through the steps of homogenization, lysis, and precipitation, which is where the DNA first becomes visible. Our claim was correct since we used this process to extract DNA, and the DNA came out in creamy white clumps once the alcohol was added on top of the solution, which acted to draw out the precipitate (DNA). Our qualitative data supports our claim since the DNA is supposed to float to the top since it is nonpolar and the alcohol is polar, so it floats the top (precipitation) . The protocol for extracting DNA that we followed properly worked, which allowed us to extract the DNA.

While our hypothesis was supported by our data, there could have been errors due to an incorrect ordering of the lab procedure and improper measurements of liquids and enzymes added to the solution. In the lab, we were required to properly order the steps of the lab according to the steps of DNA protocol. We decided to put soap into the solution before salt, which incorrectly follows the procedure since soap is added to lyse the cell membrane and emulsify the lipids, while salt is used to facilitate precipitation of the DNA, and since lysis comes before precipitation, so our ordering was wrong. This could have had a major effect, as the DNA may have not been properly extracted and we may have not gained enough of the DNA. Improper measurements of solutions could have effected the data since unequal measurements could have changed the solution and the way it effected the DNA. Due to there errors, in future experiments I would recommend that the protocol be given to us beforehand so that everyone follows the same procedure, but is is impossible get rid of the improper measurements due to the chance of human error.

This lab was done to demonstrate how DNA can be extracted from cells and how to create a procedure for labs based off given information. From this lab I learned the three basic steps of DNA extraction (homogenization, lysis, and precipitation), which helps me understand the concepts of how DNA is extracted and how different solutions interact with the molecules within DNA. Based on my experience from this lab, I can apply my knowledge to different labs involving DNA and now know how to create a lab procedure by identifying different given parts and putting them in order.