Why is strawberry dna easy to see

DNA is a long molecule in the shape of a double helix - two spirals twisting around each other. These spirals are the backbone of the DNA, and are made up of sugars and phosphates. The spirals are connected by chemicals known as bases, which stretch between the spirals like the rungs of a ladder. A and T always join together, as do G and C. Like a recipe book or instructions for lego , DNA holds the instructions for making all our proteins, which do all the jobs in our bodies.

But, believe it or not, you share genes with both of them and with every other living thing. Scientists study the genes in bacteria, zebrafish and other living things to learn more about humans. When molecules are insoluble unable to be dissolved , they clump together and become visible.

DNA is not soluble in alcohol; therefore, it makes the DNA strands clump together and become visible to the naked eye. DNA extracting solution mix about 1 tablespoon of dish detergent and 1 teaspoon of salt into 1 cup of water. Denatured alcohol eg. Mash the strawberry through the bag in your hand. DNA is a fascinating subject. Have you ever seen a DNA model? Make sure to check out our candy DNA model!

You can do this experiment with any fruit or vegetable, but strawberries are one of the best fruits to use due to their high number of DNA strands per cell 8 versus an ordinary 4! Each individual cell in an organism has a copy of the DNA pattern used to reproduce that cell.

But when you create a mixture of dish soap and salt and mix it with the strawberry pulp, it helps break down the strawberry cells into individual parts. Once the alcohol is added to the pulp, it encourages the DNA strands to rise to the top and bind together, where you can see them together in one long, clear strand. Just follow our simple instructions below. Our cells have two copies of their DNA while strawberry cells have eight!

This makes it easier for us to extract enough DNA to be able to see it with the naked eye. Every living thing has DNA or deoxyribonucleic acid and it is the blueprint for what makes you a human, a cat, a tree or a type of flower etc. DNA is a molecule that is like a little recipe for life and holds all the information your body needs to function.

Pretty crazy! A single strand of DNA is extremely tiny, too tiny to see with the naked eye, but because the DNA clumped in this activity you were able to see just how much of it three strawberries have when all of their octoploid cells are combined! This activity brought to you in partnership with Science Buddies. Already a subscriber? Sign in. Thanks for reading Scientific American. Create your free account or Sign in to continue. See Subscription Options.

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