Human DNA Extraction Lab

In this lab, we asked the question how can DNA be separated from cheek cells in order to study it? We found that it is possible to separate DNA from cheek cells. My hypothesis stated that if DNA can be seoarated fromm cheek cells, then DNA would be visible after precipitation. First, we swished Gatorade in our mouth for 30 seconds. Then, we added enzymes to speed up the process. The enzymes that were added were: salt and dishwasher soap to the solution. Since the DNA was still insoluble, we added rubbing alcohol to the solution. When we added the rubbing alcohol, the DNA percipitated from the Gatorade. In this lab, the rubbing alcohol was a protease because it catalyzed the splitting of the interior peptide bonds in a protein. The DNA rising from the gatorade was a catabolic process, which gave rise to substances of decreasing complexity. I could see the DNA after the DNA was percipitated. This data supports our claim because we could extract DNA from cheek cells, and I predicted that the DNA would be visible after precipitation.
     While our hypothesis was supported by our data, because there was no procedure in this lab, there could have been errors. In the beginning of the lab, we were given a piece of paper with the procedure. However, this paper did not have the steps of the lab in the right order. We had a tough time putting the procedure in order, and we had a big discussion at our table about which step was first. Another error was that someone at our table poured too much Gatorade into my cup. Because of this, I had a hard time swishing all the Gatorade in my mouth. If I had less Gatorade, I probably could have gotten more cheek cells. Due to these errors, I would recommend having an accurate procedure.
     This lab was done to demonstrate DNA replication and extraction. From this lab, I learned that DNA can be extracted from cheek cells, which helps me understand the concept of DNA extraction. Based on my experience from this lab, I now know how complicated DNA is and I was able to see what my DNA looks like.