Background Biology

DNA Extraction

6 steps of background science. Read them in order, or jump to a step that you need.

Step 1 of 6 In this experiment cells are collected from the inside of your cheeks and placed in a lysis buffer. Step 2 of 6 The cells are lysed (or popped open) by the salt and detergent contained in the lysis buffer. The contents of the cell and the nucleus are… Step 3 of 6 The nucleus is a membrane bound organelle found within many cells. The DNA is found in the nucleus. Step 4 of 6 Inside a cell are enzymes called DNases. These enzymes will chop up your DNA into small sections making it hard to extract. Therefore the… Step 5 of 6 As DNA is negatively charged, and salt positively charged, when salt is added the DNA becomes neutral and clumps together. You still can not… Step 6 of 6 When alcohol is added the DNA strands become white and visible.