Human DNA Extraction Lab Recap

In this lab we asked the question, "How can DNA be separated from cheek cells in order to study it?" In this lab we found that by using a polar liquid(Gatorade) we can extract DNA from our mouth getting cell tissue from our checks. Qualitative observations: We used a small amount of Gatorade mixed with a pinch of salt, put it in our mouth then swirled it in our mouth for a minute spat it out,  then put it in a test tube mixing dish soap and pineapple  juice letting it sit for 5 minutes. Soon after we poured it in a test tube, then we put rubbing alcohol in by pouring it in very carefully so it wouldn't be mixed in with each other. The DNA was separated from the Gatorade and into the alcohol. This data supports our claim because without the polar liquid we would not have gotten the DNA extracted from the cheek. If we used nonpolar liquid, the results would not have been the same.

While our hypothesis was supported by our data, there could have been errors due to a member in our group accidentally spilled his/her experiment onto the table do to s/he did no think we needed to hold the top of the test tube while mixing the solutions. Do to this error our time was was extended and we didn't have all the information we should have had. We also had a situation where we didn't have enough rubbing alcohol so a member in our group poured the rubbing alcohol in too fast mixing the mixture with the alcohol  not getting the DNA fully separated in time. Due to these errors, in future experiments I would recommend that all our members are on the same page and are collaborating more on what to do and how to do it. I also recommend that when mixing the two liquids we our it in carefully and not too fast so we don't get the experiment wrong.

This lab was done to demonstrate that we can get DNA from our cheek cells by using polar liquid and other solutions. From this lab I learned how easy it is to get DNA from our body and how polar liquid extracts cells from the body which help me understand the concept of how doctors get DNA from swabbing the mouths of their patients to get DNA. Based on my experience from this lab I can apply this to comparing DNA to other animals and make a new lab stating how are we different and compare the two DNA structures.