Extracting DNA from a banana may sound like a difficult task, but it is not very difficult at all. The process involves a few general steps, including mashing, filtration, precipitation, and extraction.

What You Need

Banana

Salt

Warm water

Liquid soap

Blender

Toothpicks

Strainer

Glass jar

Rubbing alcohol

Knife

Here's How

Using your knife, cut your banana into tiny pieces to expose more of the cells. Place your banana pieces in the blender, add a teaspoon of salt and slightly cover the mixture with warm water. The salt will help the DNA stay together during the mashing process. Mix in the blender for 5 to 10 seconds making sure the mixture is not too runny. Pour the mixture into the glass jar through the strainer. You want the jar to be about half full. Add about 2 teaspoons of liquid soap and gently stir the mixture. You should try not to create bubbles when stirring. The soap helps to break down cell membranes to release the DNA. Carefully pour very cold rubbing alcohol down the side of the glass stopping near the top. Wait for 5 minutes to allow the DNA to separate from the solution. Use the toothpicks to extract the DNA that floats to the surface. It will be long and stringy.

Tips

When pouring the alcohol, make sure that two separate layers are being formed (The bottom layer being the banana mixture and the top layer being the alcohol). When extracting the DNA, twist the toothpick slowly. Be sure to only remove the DNA from the top layer. Try repeating this experiment again using other foods such as an onion or chicken liver.

Process Explained

Mashing the banana exposes a greater surface area from which to extract the DNA. The liquid soap is added to help break down cell membranes to release the DNA. The filtration step (pouring the mixture through the strainer) allows for the collection of the DNA and other cellular substances. The precipitation step (pouring the cold alcohol down the side of the glass) allows the DNA to separate from other cellular substances. Finally, the DNA is removed from the solution by extraction with the toothpicks.

DNA Basics

DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) molecule, illustration. KTSDESIGN/Science Photo Library/Getty Images

What is DNA?: DNA is a biological molecule that contains genetic information. It is a nucleic acid that is organized into chromosomes. The genetic code found in DNA provides instructions for the production of proteins and all components necessary for the reproduction of life.

Where is DNA Found?: DNA can be found in the nucleus of our cells. Organelles known as mitochondria also produce their own DNA.

What makes up DNA?: DNA is composed of long nucleotide strands.

How is DNA shaped?: DNA commonly exists as a double stranded molecule with a twisted double helical shape.

What is the role of DNA in inheritance?: Genes are inherited through the replication of DNA in the process of meiosis. Half of our chromosomes are inherited from our mother and half from our father.

What is the role of DNA in protein production?: DNA contains the genetic instructions for the production of proteins. DNA is first transcribed into an RNA version of the DNA code (RNA transcript). This RNA message is then translated to produce proteins. Proteins are involved in just about all cell functions and are key molecules in living cells.

More Fun With DNA

This model shows the double helix and nucleotide base structure of DNA. The double helix is formed by two spiraling strands of sugar phosphates. Nucleotide bases (red, blue, yellow, green) are arrayed along these strands. LAWRENCE LAWRY/Getty Images

Constructing DNA models is a great way to learn about the structure of DNA, as well as DNA replication. You can learn how to make DNA models out of everyday objects including cardboard and jewelry. You can even learn how to make a DNA model using candy.