DNA stands for deoxyribonucleic acid. All living organisms, plants, and animals are made up of DNA. DNA controls the inherited traits in both plants and animals. In some viruses, it is referred to as RNA.
Materials
- Bananas
- Washing detergent
- Filter paper
- Chopping board
- Stirring stick/rod
- Warm water
- Alcohol
- Black paper
- Scalpel/knife
- Two glass cylinder
- Plastic bag
- Salt
- Heater
- Glass tube
- Holding rack
Procedure
-peel off the banana skin then place the flesh on the chopping board.
-Cut the banana into pieces using a scalpel or knife.
-Wrap sliced banana pieces into a plastic bag.
-Squeeze the banana pieces to become soggy.
-Put half-full water into a glass cylinder and heat until it gets warm.
-Put salt into the warm water in a glass cylinder and stir to dissolve using a stirring rod.
-Add washing detergent to the mixture of warm water and salt. Stir to mix uniformly.
-Pour the content into the bag containing sliced banana pieces. Close the bag and squeeze slowly for ten minutes.
– Filter the mixture into a clean glass cylinder.
-Transfer the filtrate into a glass tube and place it in a holding rack.
-Carefully all alcohol into the glass tube and observe the bottom of your glass tube.
You will notice the formation of spiral whitish substances that overlap one another. These whitish
substances are the DNA of your banana. You can isolate them for further studies.