DNA Necklace Kit

DNA Necklace Kit 

DNa can be considered the hereditary "code of life" because it possesses the information that determines an organism's characteristics and is transmitted from one generation to the next. DNA is contained within the nucleus of almost every cell in the human body 

Questions

1. Describe the way long strands of double-helical DNA fit into the nucleus of a single cell. 

The long strands of double-helical DNA wrap around histone proteins. The wrapping goes on and on to achieve the secondary and tertiary level of packing. In the end, the whole thing is highly packed enough to fit inside the nucleus of a single cell. 

2. Why is a sports drink used to collect the cheek cells instead of water? 

The sports drink has a similar salt concentration to the cells. So, the solution will not affect the shape of the cell. 

3. What does the cell lysis solution do to the cells' membranes? 

The cell lysis solution causes the cells' membranes to break open so the DNA strands can be pulled out. 

4. How does the DNA in the cell lysate become visible? 

The lysate draws the DNA upward making the strands attach together and become visible. 

5. Why can you see the extracted DNA with the naked eye? 

The average length of the DNA strand is a very large number. When it is extracted from many cells, it can easily be seen with the naked eye. 

6. What do you think are some things that a scientist could do with extracted DNA from a human being, or from any organism?  

DNA can be used to tell the identity of a person. This becomes very useful in a forensics-type field of work as it is necessary to find the owner blood in a crime.