Properties+of+DNA+and+the+Genome+and+Cell+Fractionation+and+DNA+isolation

A DNA molecule from a single human chromosome is about 4 cm long and the length of DNA in an individual is about 200 times the distance from the earth to the sun. Isolated DNA in a test tube is also a long, stiff molecule. When alcohol is added to a DNA solution, the DNA fibers precipitate and can be spooled onto a glass rod. This feature of DNA is illustrated in the first part of this lab period. In the second part, students isolate nuclei from calf thymus tissue. The DNA is then extracted from the nuclei by a simple procedure that uses a detergent and alcohol. Electrophoretic studies on genome complexity will also be carried out during this laboratory.