DNA Extraction

DeoxyriboNucleic Acid (DNA) is the core of all living beings. It contains the genetic instructions for development and functioning, while only as wide as 2 nanometers. Extracting DNA would sound tough, considering its size, but it is pretty easy. DNA extraction is used in genetic testing, body identification, and analysis for forensic evidence. To extract DNA from a cell, you must open the cell by using sonication (the process of using ultrasound to break it apart). Then, to remove the lipids that hold the DNA, you must add a detergent, which will kill off the other parts of the cell. Once the lipids are separated, alcohol must cover the lipids because DNA is immune to it. the most common alcohols used are ethanol or isopropanol. The only thing left to do is to copy the DNA so it's able to be match to another strand. In all, the steps to take apart a cell to detect its DNA is pretty simple, extremely helpful, and very amusing.