Our Upper School Advanced Biology II students dove into molecular biology with a fruit DNA extraction lab!

Using a simple detergent solution, they broke down cell membranes in strawberries, kiwis, and bananas, and then used cold alcohol to precipitate the genetic material (i.e., separating the material from the liquid). In doing so, Upper School Science Teacher Dr. Deb Fine explained that students "could actually see strands of DNA collecting in front of them—a visible, tangible link to the invisible code inside every living cell." The lab marked the start of the biotechnology unit, giving students a taste of the lab techniques they will build on throughout the school year. Up next: Students will start to use new equipment including micropipettes, electrophoresis equipment, and PCR thermocyclers to extract, purify, visualize, and analyze DNA samples from various sources!