RJ+Grant

Extracting DNA: Cow and Chicken
This project was extracting DNA and examining it closely under a microscope.

Goals:
toc My biology project is centered on a lab in which I extract, isolate, and compare the DNA of chicken and cows. This project takes the Berry Full of DNA Lab to the next level. The purpose of this experiment is to learn more about DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid); it’s qualities, purpose, and differences in structure. The majority of the data in this lab is qualitative, meaning they are not specific measurement, but rather observations. I hope to record my observations and then examine it more closely under a compound microscope. Also, i want to learn more about the US meat industry. //Prediction//: I think that I will successfully extract the two animal's DNA and be able to see it under the microscope. I think that the two sets of DNA will be visibly different, but may share some of the same qualities.

__//Procedure//__:

1. Using a knife, cut the cow liver up into 3 small pieces. 2. Place the pieces of liver into the blender. 3. Add the salt and warm water to the liver in the blender. Make sure the water covers the liver pieces. 4. Blend on high with the cover on for 10 to 15 seconds. 5. Strain the blended mixture through the cheesecloth into a beaker or large drinking glass. 6. Add the washing detergent, stir, and let sit for 5 minutes. 7. Fill a test tube with the liver mixture. 8. Add about three drops of the enzymatic contact lens cleaner. Wait 15 minutes. 9. Tilt the test tube, and slowly add an equal amount of the cold alcohol by pouring the alcohol down the sides of the test tube. Wait 15 minutes. 10. Stringy DNA should appear as a layer between the bottom mixture and the alcohol on the top. 11. Insert a stirring rod (either glass, wooden or plastic), into the stringy DNA. Spool the DNA around the rod as you gently stir. 12. Observe a smear of the DNA under a microscope. Write observations 13. Repeat the entire process with the chicken liver.

Discoveries:
In the end, my hypothesis was not completely proven or disproven. I //was// able to extract and isolate the DNA, and I examined it closely under the compound microscope, but the microscope was too weak for me to see significant structural differences. However, overall the experiment was a great success. I completed the purpose of the experiment. In the research portion of my project, i learned a great deal about the meat industry. Chicken and beef are the leading meats consumed and packaged in America. Chicken on its own out numbers the amount of pork, veal, turkey, and lamb processed in the US. Both cow DNA and chicken DNA are being studied by scientists, mostly in the hopes of advancing the sophistication of the selective breeding process. This is a section of my paper concerning the research:

With both the chicken’s and cow’s entire genome mapped, farmers and large corporations involved in beef or chicken production will be able to use selective breeding more effectively. Since their genomes have been recorded, these animals’ desirable traits can be linked to the exact gene which is responsible for the characteristic. With the aid of scientists, farmers can base their selective breeding on biology and will be able to raise cows/chickens with beneficial traits that are not necessarily visible. For example, this “will enable farmers to raise cows that require less feed and produce more lean meat.” The farmers’ cost will presumably decrease with the decrease in feed necessary, and the savings will lead to cheaper meat for the consumer.

Challenges:
Some of the greatest challenges, surprisingly, were just following the procedure carefully. When I was straining the chicken solution, the coffee filter was not working. Possibly because the coffee filter's holes were too small for the thick solution, nothing was able to pass through it. This was easily fixed by substituting cheesecloth for the coffee filter. The other challenge I had was getting good results on my first try. I rushed the procedure and did not wait the suggested time in between adding ingredients. My rushing did not allow each ingredient to completely cause its desired effect. Therefore, I was unable to see the DNA strands clearly on the top of the solution and had to re perform my experiment. These were just minor procedural challenges which did not seriously affect my results. On the whole, I did not face many major challenges.

Looking Back:
If I were to do this biology project again, i would put a larger emphasis on the DNA extraction procedure used by scientists and possibly observe some lysing of cells in a scientific lab. Also, I would have made certain in advance to have access to an electron microscope, if possible.

Helpful Resources:
http://www.meatami.com/ht/a/GetDocumentAction/i/53062

Some Photos: