Extracting DNA from Strawberries

Free to teach as-is — the teacher guide, student handout, and slides are included.

Free — we'll email you an access link. Google Docs format.

Objective

I can extract DNA from a strawberry using a simple procedure and explain the role of each step.

Part 1 of 4

Warm-up video

National Human Genome Research Institute · 9:46

We don't generate video — this one is by National Human Genome Research Institute on YouTube. The practice questions and exit ticket below were drafted by AI for this objective, and every question is editable in the teacher guide.

Part 2 of 4

Key concepts

3 concepts

  1. 1

    The purpose of the lysis solution is to break open the strawberry's cells to get to the DNA.

  2. 2

    The lysis solution contains detergent, salt, and water to break open the cells.

  3. 3

    Rubbing alcohol is added to the filtered strawberry mixture to cause the DNA to precipitate, or come out of solution, allowing it to be seen and collected.

Part 3 of 4

Practice

8 questions

1

Why are frozen strawberries preferred in this DNA extraction procedure?

2

What does 'lysis' mean in the context of this experiment?

Part 4 of 4

Exit ticket

Quick comprehension check

Describe the role of each of the following components in the strawberry DNA extraction procedure: 1) smashing the strawberries, 2) lysis solution (detergent and salt), and 3) alcohol.

Sample answer included in the free materials

Get the materials

Teacher guide, student handout, and slides — free, in Google Docs format

  • Teacher Guide

    Complete lesson plan with answer keys and alternate activities

  • Student Handout

    Printable worksheet

  • Slides

    Ready to present

We'll ask for your email to send your access link — nothing else.

Teaching a group at a different level?

Where are your students right now? We'll rebuild this lesson to match — including the teacher guide, student handout, and slides, saved to your Google Drive.

Adapt This Lesson