Lima Bean Bacteria DNA Extraction

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This laboratory exercise is designed to show learners how DNA can easily be extracted from lima bean bacteria. This experiment requires the use of a centrifuge (not included in cost of materials). Use this experiment to supplement any unit on genetics and to demonstrate how scientists study DNA. Adult supervision is recommended. This resource guide includes tips and suggestions for instructors as well as other DNA extraction experiments and a chart for learners to answer questions.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
1 to 7 days
Learning Time:
45 to 60 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$10 - $20 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 11 - 18
Resource Types:
Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • dry lima beans
  • Palmolive detergent
  • centrifuge
  • distilled water
  • centrifuge tube
  • fresh papaya juice
  • graduated cylinder (10 ml)
  • non-iodized salt
  • granulated sugar
  • pipet
  • Epsom salts
  • 15 ml test tube
  • bufferin (325 mg)
  • test tube rack or 250 ml beaker
  • ice cold 95% ethanol
  • glass stirring rod

Keywords

Subjects

  • Life Sciences
    • Cells
      • Cell Structure and Function
    • Diversity of Life
      • Plants
      • Viruses and Bacteria
    • Heredity and Genetics
      • DNA Structure and Function
  • Physical Sciences
    • Chemistry
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations

Informal Categories

  • Food and Cooking

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • see color
  • read
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Components that are part of this resource:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • Hays, Lana

Rights: