How can a DNA molecule be isolated from a banana in a home experiment? Eighth-graders from Secondary General Education School No. 3 learned about it at a class in the Genetics Laboratory of the Institute of Biology KarRC RAS. The class was facilitated by Researcher Marina Zaretskaya and Research Trainee Daniil Atorin.
During the theoretical part of the class the children were reminded about the structure of DNA molecule and told about its role in biological processes, about what mutations can happen and what consequences they can have, what diseases they lead to.
In plants and animals, the DNA molecule is located in the cell nucleus. To “extract” DNA, a special solution must be prepared that destroys cell walls and nuclear membranes. As it turned out, this can be done with reagents you can find in any kitchen: table salt, baking soda and a dishwashing detergent.
Salt and soda are needed to prepare a solution with a certain stable concentration of hydrogen ions. It is supplemented with a detergent, a substance that reduces the surface tension of water for its better penetration into pores and between fibers. A dishwashing liquid can be used as a detergent. When added to the buffer solution, it destroys the cell membranes so that DNA strands float freely.
Mashed banana was mixed with the resulting solution and placed in a thermostat for 15 minutes at 60 degrees. At home, it is recommended to use a water bath. Next, filter paper or gauze can be used to filter out the destroyed cell walls. In the laboratory, a centrifuge is used for this purpose. White DNA strands visible to the eye in a test tube can be obtained after the precipitation process, which happens when ethyl alcohol is added.
— We chose this career-guidance tour to broaden our horizons on the subjects of biology and chemistry. We ran diagnostic tests at school, which revealed poor knowledge of natural science disciplines. In eighth grade children are just starting to learn chemistry and have had no experience with labware. It's curious to get acquainted with the work of the Genetics Laboratory, to see how the scientific equipment looks like. I think it was great practical experience and the class was beneficial! - shared Yana Sabantseva, tutor of the “Ticket to the Future” project at School No. 3, English teacher.
Classes under the “Ticket to the Future” project at KarRC RAS will continue until November 23. Participating in this project, schoolchildren can learn, first-hand, about the work of an analytical chemist, chemical analysis laboratory technician, geologist-mineralogist, and archaeologist. The group size is limited, pre-registration is required.
KarRC RAS
in social media
in social media
News
October 17, 2024
A new area for classes within the “Ticket to the Future” project was presented at KarRC RAS
Classes within the federal project “Ticket to the Future” started at the Karelian Research Center RAS. Participating in this project, schoolchildren can learn, first-hand, about the work of an analytical chemist, chemical analysis laboratory technician, geologist-mineralogist, and archaeologist. This year scientists present a new area of career guidance: familiarization with the work of a geneticist and molecular biologist. The first to attend a class were 8th grade students of Secondary General Education School No. 3 with Advanced Study of Foreign Languages in Petrozavodsk.
Classes within the federal project “Ticket to the Future” started at the Karelian Research Center RAS. Participating in this project, schoolchildren can learn, first-hand, about the work of an analytical chemist, chemical analysis laboratory technician, geologist-mineralogist, and archaeologist. This year scientists present a new area of career guidance: familiarization with the work of a geneticist and molecular biologist. The first to attend a class were 8th grade students of Secondary General Education School No. 3 with Advanced Study of Foreign Languages in Petrozavodsk.
See also:
June 26, 2025
Ice-related phenomena on rivers emptying into the White Sea now last three weeks less than 60 years before
Ice on northern rivers now forms later while ice-off occurs earlier. Karelian scientists confirmed this having analyzed 64 years of marine and meteorological data from the estuaries of rivers draining into the White Sea along its western coast. Climate change has bit three weeks off the ice-covered period on these rivers. The reductions have been the most significant in the last 30 years, aligning with global warming trends in Arctic water bodies.
Ice on northern rivers now forms later while ice-off occurs earlier. Karelian scientists confirmed this having analyzed 64 years of marine and meteorological data from the estuaries of rivers draining into the White Sea along its western coast. Climate change has bit three weeks off the ice-covered period on these rivers. The reductions have been the most significant in the last 30 years, aligning with global warming trends in Arctic water bodies.
June 23, 2025
Citizen science and web technologies help researchers study insects of Karelia
More than 30 insect species not encountered in Karelia previously have been revealed by entomologists from KarRC RAS during their expeditions and using data communicated by active participants of the iNaturalist portal – an open platform for collecting biodiversity data.
More than 30 insect species not encountered in Karelia previously have been revealed by entomologists from KarRC RAS during their expeditions and using data communicated by active participants of the iNaturalist portal – an open platform for collecting biodiversity data.
June 20, 2025
Application process for 2025/2026 Doctoral Studies started at KarRC RAS
On June 20, Karelian Research Centre RAS began accepting papers from applicants for its Doctoral Courses. This year, university graduates can choose from ten academic specialties in the STEM, natural sciences, humanities, and social sciences.
On June 20, Karelian Research Centre RAS began accepting papers from applicants for its Doctoral Courses. This year, university graduates can choose from ten academic specialties in the STEM, natural sciences, humanities, and social sciences.
June 17, 2025
An important phase of the KarRC RAS Director General election procedure completed
The Electoral Commission has summarized the results of the voting for the election of the Director General of KarRC RAS. The turnout exceeded 80% of the Center's employees. The majority of votes, 391, were cast for Alexander Kryshen, Director of the Forest Research Institute. Acting Director General Olga Bakhmet was supported by 252 voters, and Deputy Director General Yuri Zaika received 17 votes. The Electoral Commission documented these results in its report, which will be submitted to the HR Policy Department of the Federal Ministry of Science and Higher Education. The candidacies will now undergo the procedure of approval by federal agencies, after which the employment contract will be signed with the winner of the competition.
The Electoral Commission has summarized the results of the voting for the election of the Director General of KarRC RAS. The turnout exceeded 80% of the Center's employees. The majority of votes, 391, were cast for Alexander Kryshen, Director of the Forest Research Institute. Acting Director General Olga Bakhmet was supported by 252 voters, and Deputy Director General Yuri Zaika received 17 votes. The Electoral Commission documented these results in its report, which will be submitted to the HR Policy Department of the Federal Ministry of Science and Higher Education. The candidacies will now undergo the procedure of approval by federal agencies, after which the employment contract will be signed with the winner of the competition.
June 11, 2025
Posseidon research vessel is back from this season’s first integrated expedition
Employees of the Northern Water Problems Institute KarRC RAS completed an expedition around Lake Onego on board the Posseidon research vessel. The expedition covered 19 sites in bays, Central Onego, and Kizhi Skerries region. Scientists have sampled water for chemical and biological analyses.
Employees of the Northern Water Problems Institute KarRC RAS completed an expedition around Lake Onego on board the Posseidon research vessel. The expedition covered 19 sites in bays, Central Onego, and Kizhi Skerries region. Scientists have sampled water for chemical and biological analyses.