DNA Extraction of a Banana and Visualising

DNA Structures using Microscope Analysis

Louise Olazo1 , Jyra Sheen Cruz 2, John David Borleo 3, Rhyss Caitlin Abac ,4
Jayen Mitch Munsayac 5, Naz Reeno De Dios 6

Junior High School Department (Chemistry Laboratory), St. Paul University at San Miguel
Salangan, 3011 San Miguel, Bulacan, Philippines
louisesolazo@gmail.com

Abstract - Extraction of DNA is often an early step in

I.II DNA Organic Extraction
many diagnostic processes used to detect bacteria and
In following the organic extraction, we break down the
viruses in the environment as well as diagnosing disease
lipids from the cell membrane and the nucleus of our fruit.
and genetic disorders. In our activity, we have decided to
Breaking cells and cell walls allow the DNA to be released
use the Organic Extraction in extracting the DNA of a
from the nucleus. With the addition of salt as well as dish
Banana. This method simplifies the whole process of
soap, these two components help in the precipitation of
extraction, with just the use of household materials such
DNA and to neutralizes the charge on the DNA molecule.
as dish soap, salt, alcohol, and water we are able to break
Ultimately, it does most in breaking down the cell
apart the cellular and nuclear membranes, and it releases
membranes and dissolving the cell components. Organic
the DNA. The salt helps the DNA strands come together
extraction is the main process that makes debris or the
and we used alcohol to precipitate it, since the DNA is
DNA of the fruit accumulate above the solution. As these
not soluble in alcohol. Lastly, we observed our DNA, on
are as seen, and illustrated in Figure 1.1.
a microscope for a better understanding regarding it’s
structure. We were able to successfully conduct a DNA
Extraction of a Banana, and all objectives are attained.
In this laboratory report, we will discuss all the
procedures, outcomes, and gained knowledge of the
following experiment.

KEYWORDS - DNA Extraction of a Banana, Process in

Figure 1.1
Extracting The DNA of a Fruit, DNA Organic Extraction
I.III Banana (Musa acuminata)
A banana is an elongated, edible fruit – botanically a
I. INTRODUCTION berry It is produced by several kinds of large herbaceous
flowering plants in the genus Musa. The fruit is variable in
I.I Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) size, color, and firmness, but is usually elongated and
Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is a biological molecule, curved, with soft flesh rich in starch covered with a rind,
which consists of the biological instructions making each which may be green, yellow, red, purple, or brown when
species unique. It carries genetic instructions in all living ripe. We chose to extract the DNA from a Banana for it
beings and makes up the genome of an organism. DNA has a soft, creamy, and smooth consistency when mash or
contains the instructions needed for an organism to blend, which makes it easier. Mashing the banana exposes
develop, survive and reproduce. To carry out these a greater surface area from which to extract the DNA.
functions, DNA sequences must be converted into
messages that can be used to produce proteins, which are I.IV Organic Extraction in Extracting the DNA of a Banana
the complex molecules that do most of the work in our We decided to use the organic extraction method to extract
bodies. Amongst the three methods of DNA Extraction, the DNA from a dragon fruit mostly because it is a cheap
(organic extraction, nonorganic extraction, and but effective way of extracting a good quantity of DNA
absorption method) we have chosen to follow and perform that can serve as a sample for microscopy in order to
the Organic Extraction examine it’s structure.
I.V Objectives
The main aim of this experiment is to have a
deeper understanding about the Deoxyribonucleic
Acid that is found in nearly all living cells and the
process of extracting it.
So, the main objective of this experiment is to fulfil
the following:
To understand the process and importance of
DNA extraction from a fruit.
To study the structure and properties of DNA. Figure II.I Figure II.II

To encourage critical thinking and problem-

2. While macerating the fruit, other members of the group
solving skills by performing the DNA extraction
also started to make the salt solution. In a 100 mL of
experiment. distilled water, we added a 1.5 grams of table salt (sodium
To foster a deeper understanding of genetics and chloride) and gently stirred it with a spoon until the salt is
molecular biology concepts through hands-on dissolved. In this step, salt helps in the precipitation of
experimentation. DNA from a solution, it neutralizes the charge on the
To inspire curiosity and interest in the field of DNA molecule, causing it to become less soluble in water.
DNA research and genetic engineering. This makes it easier to separate the DNA from other
cellular components. It also helps in the dissociation of
proteins from DNA, the positive ions present in the salt
II. METHODOLOGY solution bind to the negatively charged proteins, disrupting
DNA extraction is a fundamental process in their interactions with DNA. This helps in the removal of
proteins and other impurities from the DNA solution.
molecular biology that is performed to isolate
DNA from various sources, including fruits. This
methodology aims to describe a simple and
efficient procedure for extracting DNA from a
fruit sample.
II.I Needed Materials
The materials that are used for this DNA
Extraction of a Fruit are the following :
Banana
Ziplock plastic bag Figure II.III Figure II.IV

Liquid dish soap 3. Then, we added a 5 mL of liquid dishwashing detergent and

add it to the saltwater solution. We mixed it gently to form a
Table salt (sodium chloride)
soapy solution. The addition of dish soap in DNA extraction
Water helps in breaking down the cell membranes and dissolving the cell
Iced Cold Ethanol components. The cell membrane acts as a barrier, protecting the
Strainer genetic material inside the cells. By adding dish soap, the lipid
Wooden Stick bilayer is disrupted, and the cell membrane breaks apart,
allowing the DNA to be released into the solution. This is an
Cup important step for DNA extraction because one of the main
purposes of this experiment is to isolate the DNA from the other
II.II Process
cell components to study or analyze it.
1. Sliced pieces of a one and a half banana were put
into a Ziplock bag, and macerenated by hand
until they turn into a mushy pulp. This step break
cells and cell walls which then allowed the DNA to
be released from the nucleus. The more we
mashed the banana, the more thin the consistency
will be, in which then results for more DNA to be
released from the fruit.

Figure II.V Figure II.VI

4. Next, we poured the mashed banana mixture from the III. OBSERVATIONS AND OUTCOMES
Ziplock bag through a sieve/strainer into the cup, allowing
the liquid to pass through while trapping any solid particles Overall, the process of extracting DNA from a
in the filter. This concentrates the DNA sample and banana demonstrates the ability to isolate and
remove excess fluids, and improves the purity, and quality observe the genetic material present in living
of the extracted DNA. organisms. It also shows the importance of breaking
down cellular structures, lipids, and proteins to
access and separate DNA from other components.

As you can see in

the view of the
microscope, you
can observed the
molecules of the
DNA Extracted
Figure II.VII Figure II.VIII from the Banana
5. Then we pour the cold alcohol down the side of the cup looks like a
into the sieved banana mixture and waited a while for the droplets of water
DNA to float on top. The DNA clumps are soluble in coiled up together Figure III.I.

some liquids, but not in alcohol. So adding an ice cold in a form of rungs Lense - 4x
ethanol makes the DNA to come out of the solution and in a ladder. Magnification - 64x
form a visible white precipitate, clumps or strands that can
be easily collected.
Through the Mid-
Power Objective
Lense of the
microscope, we can
now see a more
define and enlarge
picture of the lines
and shapes and
particles of the
DNA. Figure III.II

Lense - 10x
Figure II.IX
Magnification - 160x
6. As for the last step, we insert a wooden stick into the cup Through the High-
gently swirl it to collect the DNA strands around the stick Power Objective Lens,
or spoon and then we transfer the DNA strand into a this helps us see a
microscope glass side and covered it with a cover slip. After larger structure and
that we proceed into examining and observing the physical provides a close up
structures of the DNA of a Banana through a microscope look at the DNA
using low-power, medium-power, and high-power particles. It appear as
a thin, thread-like
objective lenses.
structures or fibers.
However, despite the
use of microscope and
it’s different lenses, It
is typically not visible
as a distinct shape or
pattern and to Figure III.III

actually observe and Lense - 40x

examine the precise Magnification - 640x
appearance of DNA
without specialized
Figure II.X Figure II.XI staining or
visualization
techniques.
 We would like to acknowledge every member of our
IV. CONCLUSION group, for their cooperation in this DNA activity.

The extraction of DNA from a banana is an We would like to thank sir Romnick Inducil for
enthralling illustration of molecular biology in teaching and helping us to make this experience a
action. First, we mashed the banana to break down memorable one.
the cell walls and release the cellular contents, and
then a a salt solution and detergent are added to the We would also like to thank our Lord for giving us
mashed banana to break down the lipid membranes this opportunity to properly execute this laboratory
and proteins, releasing the DNA, and lastly the experiment that tackles about the basic unit of life.
addition of a cold alcohol causes the DNA to
precipitate out of the solution since DNA is We are also thankful for the opportunity to
insoluble in alcohol. And after all the process and participate in this DNA experiment that has been
procedure, we were able to see the extracted DNA eye-opening and thought-provoking.
as a stringy, white substance floating in the alcohol
layer. Through this experiment, we were able to uncover
and understand the mysteries of DNA, the building
After successfully extracting the DNA from the blocks of life. We are incredibly grateful for the
banana, we then moved to examining the structure opportunity to engage in this scientific exploration
under a microscope to determine its structure. Due which deepens our understanding of this fascinating
to their small size, the DNA strands extracted from subject.
a banana is not that visible under a light
microscope. They look like a fine, tangled mass that VI. REFERENCES
is difficult to resolve.

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DNA extraction techniques for use in education, 2010
microscopic examination provide an intriguing
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is in all living organisms. While the extraction DNA in molecular epidemiological studies. Biomarkers Prev. 7,
process can be done with common household items 719–724.

and basic laboratory equipment, advanced

microscopy techniques can reveal the true beauty Gupta N. DNA Extraction and Polymerase Chain Reaction. J
and complexity of DNA's structure. The ability to Cytol. 2019 Apr-Jun;36(2):116-117. doi:
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nature, but also the remarkable progress in scientific https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6425773/
methods for studying the genetic code that
underpins all life on Earth.

V. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
First and foremost, we are thankful that this
experiment allowed us to witness firsthand the
complexity and intricacies of DNA. By extracting
DNA from a simple Banana, we were able to see the
double helix structure and learn about the different
components that make up DNA, which was truly
remarkable to witness.