What does the alcohol do in this experiment? Why does the DNA rise to the top after adding alcohol? For reference, this is the procedure for the experiment 4. Place a coffee filter in a funnel and pour the fruit mixture into the coffee filter and let the solutiondrip into the glass container (as shown in the illustration below). NOTE: To those who don't haveeither a coffee filter or a funnel, you may use a strainer. Do not squeeze or poke the coffee filter as itwill break (or poke the strainer) - better leave it for a while.Coffee filter orcheese clothFunnelGlass container5. Once all the fruit mixture is filtered, transfer the filtrate in a small glass container that can holdaround ¼ to ½ cup (≈ 50-100ml or ≈10-20 tsp.) of fluid.6. After transferring, tilt the glass container and add 20 mL (4 tsp.) of cold alcohol slowly. NOTE: thealcohol should sit atop the fruit mixture after.7. Let the set-up sit for five to ten minutes or until the DNA precipitates. NOTE: It will resemble whitemucous or a white cloud-like substance at the interface between the alcohol and fruit mixture.8. Take a photo and after observing your DNA product, clean up everything. Wash all the materialsused with hot water and dishwashing liquid. NOTE: If a lot of DNA precipitated from your sample,you may use a pair of tweezers to gently remove a long thick fiber of white mucous (or white cloud-like substance) from the extraction mixture and lay it on a saucer for examination. MATERIALSTablespoon and teaspoonBanana (strawberry or another soft fruit)Table saltFunnel (or strainer)Dishwashing liquidCoffee filter (or cheese cloth)Water (preferably distilled water)Glass containers (drinking glass, bowl)Ice bath (or your fridge)Resealable plastic sandwich bag (or you may use aglass bowl)Cold alcohol (or high proof liquor)PREPARATION1. Buffer solution: In a glass container, mix 90ml (= 6 tbsp.) of water, 10ml (2 tsp.) of dishwashingliquid, and ¼ tsp. or a pinch of salt. Stir until the salt dissolves and do so gently to avoid making toomany bubbles in the mixture.2. Alcohol: Put the alcohol in an ice bath or inside the freezer.PROCEDURE1. Put the fruit inside the resealable plastic bag and push out all the air before sealing.2. Using your fingers, squeeze and mash the fruit. NOTE: Careful not to break the bag! To those whodon't have a resealable plastic sandwich bag, you may do this step in a glass bowl.3. Add 10 mL of buffer solution and grind for at least five to 10 minutes. NOTE: If the mixture is toothick, add more buffer solution.

Question

Accepted Answer

Extraction of DNA from fruits.