In January we had a special science lesson with a DNA expert.  She explained all about DNA, how many there are, where it is, what it looks like and how big it is (it’s tiny).

We then did a DNA extraction experiment. We were extracting DNA from a banana. Firstly we had to peel, chop and crush the banana.

 

We then added some warm water and mushed the banana some more.

We then filtered it into a beaker so we just had the liquid.

 

When we had just the liquid, the lady added some pure alcohol to it.  This caused the DNA strands to separate from the liquid.

The DNA strands floated on the top of the liquid.

They separated instantly from the liquid once the alcohol was added.

This lesson was lots of fun.