Onion DNA extraction

This experiment enable us to extract the DNA of an onion so we can observe it.

Procedures

1. Mix 10ml og washing detergent, 3g of salt, and 100ml ofwater together.

2.Cut the onion into small pieces

3.Take 50g of the onion and blend it thoroughly until its in liquid-like form.

4.Mix the onion juice with the mixture made in procedure until it is one mixtures.

5.Filter the mixture with a funnel covered with gorse.

6.Slowly poor alcohol into the mixture, and let the onion juce float to the top.

7.When a white layer of mucus like liquid appears, use a long and thin object to extract the material.

8.Observe the material.

Explanation

DNA was able to be extracted from the onion cells because of the many ingredients used in the experiment.The washing detergent used dissolved the cell membrane to extract the DNA, and while this is happening, the salt in the water dissolves into the water so that the DNA can't dissolve into the water.The alchohal added also keeps the DNA from mixing with the water, enabling the DNA to stay in its natural state for a short amout of time, so it can be extracted from the mixture and observed.

Interesting Facts.... 

 Do you know why onions make you cry? No fear! I will tell you! When an onion is cut, its juices are scattered in the air. These juices contain onion cells which stings our nose and eyes. The onion cells contain enzymes called alliinases that break down amino acid sulphoxides and generate sulphenic acids. These acids are very unstable, and constantly rearranges into a gas called syn-propanethial-S-oxide. When this gas diffuses through the air and reaches our eyes, it binds to our sensory neurons that causes a well-known stinging sensation. Tear glands produce tears to dilute and at the same time flush out the chemical causing the irritation.

To find photos of the experiment, go to Photos, Day 2. =]