Isolation of DNA from Onion

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This laboratory exercise is designed to show learners how DNA can easily be extracted from onion cells. It includes an optional test for the presence of DNA. Use this experiment to supplement any unit on DNA and genetics as well as to demonstrate how scientists study DNA. Adult supervision is recommended.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
4 to 24 hours
Learning Time:
45 to 60 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$5 - $10 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 11 - 18
Resource Types:
Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • 2 cm pieces of fresh onion
  • 100 ml beaker
  • 2 test tubes
  • Glass rod scored on one end
  • ICE COLD 95% ethanol
  • Palmolive liquid detergent
  • Non-iodized salt (sodium chloride)
  • Fresh meat tenderizer or fresh pineapple or papaya juice
  • Phenol red indicator

Keywords

Subjects

  • Life Sciences
    • Cells
    • Diversity of Life
      • Plants
    • 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
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • Averill, Ellen

Rights: