Isolating Genetic Material

In the world of biotechnology, one activity that stands out for its educational value and hands-on approach is the extraction of DNA from tomatoes. This engaging activity, titled "Extracting DNA," offers students a unique opportunity to delve into the fascinating realm of genetics.

Before embarking on this exciting journey, it is recommended that students have a solid understanding of cells, their internal workings, and the basics of DNA. Previous activities such as "Introduction to cells," "Inside a cell," and "DNA detective" could provide a suitable foundation.

DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is a fundamental component of life, holding the genetic information for plants and animals. It is a double helix structure, a shape that can be visualised through a diagram, which can be downloaded from the provided Word file.

In this activity, students will be extracting the DNA from a tomato. This process is a common technique used by scientists and is at the heart of many biotechnological advancements. If the DNA from one human cell was unwound and stretched out, it would be almost 2 metres long, highlighting the vast amount of genetic information contained within each cell.

Every organism, from the smallest bacteria to the largest elephant, has a unique number of chromosomes. Human cells, with the exception of red blood cells, contain 46 chromosomes. The human body contains more than a billion kilometres of DNA, with approximately 100 trillion cells. DNA is common to all plants and animals, making it a universal link in the chain of life.

For those seeking further reading on the subject, related articles such as "DNA, chromosomes and gene expression," "DNA and biotechnology," and "Biology idea 5: Organisation" are available. Another method of DNA extraction can be found on Learn.Genetics.

This activity, based on a method by Petra Frey, is published and updated as stated in the article. It is an excellent way to introduce students to the concepts of DNA, and to the world of biotechnology, while providing them with a practical, engaging, and memorable learning experience.