DNA EXTRACTION USING BANANA

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is the fundamental hereditary material present in all living organisms. This experiment aimed to demonstrate a simple and effective method for extracting visible DNA from banana (Musa acuminata) using readily available household materials. The procedure involved mechanical disruption of banana tissue followed by cell lysis using a detergent–salt solution to break down cell and nuclear membranes. The resulting mixture was filtered to remove cellular debris, and cold isopropyl alcohol was added to precipitate the DNA. Upon alcohol addition, white, stringy, cotton-like DNA fibers became visible at the interface between the aqueous and alcohol layers, confirming successful DNA extraction. The salt facilitated DNA aggregation by neutralizing its negative charge, while detergent dissolved lipid membranes. The experiment highlights the fundamental principles of DNA extraction, including cell lysis, separation, and precipitation, and demonstrates that plant DNA can be isolated using simple techniques without specialized laboratory equipment. This activity provides an effective educational model for understanding molecular biology concepts and the structural properties of DNA.