This document provides instructions for extracting DNA from dried split peas. It explains that blending the peas breaks open the pea cells. Dishwashing detergent is then added to break apart the cell and nuclear membranes, releasing the DNA. Meat tenderizer contains enzymes that break apart surrounding proteins to further isolate the DNA. Finally, a layer of isopropyl alcohol is added, causing the DNA to float to the top and be separated from the mixture.
8. What does the detergent do?
• Each pea cell is
surrounded by a cell
membrane
• DNA is in the nucleus
of a cell, which is also
surrounded by a
membrane
9. The membranes must be
broken open in order to get the
DNA out of the cell
11. The cell and nuclear membranes have been
broken apart,
as well as all of the organelle membranes,
such as those around the mitochondria and
chloroplasts.
So what is left?
• Proteins
• Carbohydrates (sugars)
• DNA
13. Why?
• Meat tenderizer is an ENZYME
– A protein that helps chemical reactions
happen more quickly
• The enzymes in meat tenderizer break
apart proteins
14. The DNA in the nucleus is
surrounded by proteins