Human DNA lab

The lab we did today tested for DNA in our cheeks, with the question being "How can DNA be separated from cheek cells in order to study it?". The answer was very simple. Through a simple process, we separated out DNA using gatorade, detergent, rubbing oil, and pineapple juice. In the experiment, we started off by washing out our mouths with gatorade, so that it would pick up the DNA in our cheek. Then we each put a pinch of salt into it, which would separate the DNA from the excess particles from our mouths. But the separation of the particles and DNA was because the solution was polar, and the excess particles were nonpolar. Next, we dumped it into a test tube and put detergent into it. This broke down the nuclear membrane. Next, we added pineapple juice to it, causing it to be even more stringy than before, making it very visible. Finally, we put rubbing oil in it, causing precipitation, which means that the DNA floated up into the rubbing oil. And finally, you could see the DNA clearly. This is evidence that supports our claim. One error I had was I didn't wash my cheeks enough with the gatorade, which caused me to extract NO DNA AT ALL. I fixed the situation of course by redoing it and actually washing the gatorade good the second time. A second error was that we were a little of on our procedure, and that affected us the first time around, but we fixed it the second time. So two helpful reminders would be to really wash your cheeks and to look at the procedure VERY CAREFULLY. The purpose of this lab was to try and extract our own DNA using different liquids, and we accomplished that. I learned though that there is DNA all over our cheeks, and it is super easy to get out. I feel like scientists really need to know where DNA is easy to find in the body, so they can get samples if they need. That's how it can be used in everyday life. The lab was awesome and I know I will be able to do it again.