DNA from Peas!

We are now into Module 7 of Apologia Biology Science.    We are learning more about DNA in this section.

The first experiment was to extract DNA from peas.  The instructions say to use split peas.  I do not like peas.  I avoid peas when I can.  Sir Husband; however, loves peas and I still can’t figure out why.  I only purchase a very small bag of frozen baby peas.   The smaller the bag, the better.

So, after reading “split peas”, I had to call someone and ask if that meant cooked, raw, or dried.   No one could help me.  I  am sure they all hate peas too.  After googling  pea something, I came across this little gem.  How to Extract DNA From Any Living Thing.   It is really colorful and full of great information.  If you scroll down a little, you’ll see the visual I was looking for.  A bag of dried yucky split peas.  Visuals are your friends; peas are not.

So, off to the grocery store to buy the cheapest brand of split peas I could find.  When I told Sir Husband what I was planning on doing, he got upset.  I would be putting delicious peas to their death.  I secretly rejoiced and I have yet to tell Sir Husband that I have almost a half bag left.  Don’t tell him, ok?

The first thing we had to do was measure out the peas, water, and salt.

Then you get to visualize Whirled Peas.  It’s a marvelous thing to see destruction of split peas.

Whirled Peas, gotta love it!   Next strain the pea juice and add soap.

 Then you add meat tenderizer, which cuts the protein away from the DNA. 

After adding alcohol, the fun begins.  First you observe what it looks like from the top.

 See the strands above?  Those are the peas’ DNA. 

Then you get to play with it!

and play with it

and play with it

and play with it.

 

Then I told the students they had to taste the liquid.  They were smart and didn’t believe me. 🙂