Isolating the DNA of Allium Schoenoprasum L. and Using Gel Electrophoresis to Study its Characteristics
The purpose of our experiment was to determine if the DNA of Allium schoenoprasum L., based on its similar characteristics to that of the onion plant, could be successfully isolated and run through the process of gel electrophoresis, yielding a traveling distance to be measured in centimeters. First, we extracted DNA from the liquefied plant tissue of Allium schoenoprasum L. Loading dye was added to color and weight the DNA, and the sample remained uncovered overnight. The following day the sample was loaded into the wells of the agarose gel, which was placed into the TBE buffer along with ethidium bromide, which causes DNA strands to fluoresce under UV light. Electricity was run through the gel, and the loading dye was seen traveling through the gel. When the UV light was added, however, no visible DNA strands fluoresced. This resulted in yielding travel distances. We concluded that the extraction process accounted for this error: the DNA was not purified of its proteins. Additional steps to remove these proteins would be needed, and based on our research and further observations, Allium schoenoprasum L. DNA could be successfully isolated.
Research Done By:
Melanie Duzyj
Warren Mott High School
Chelsea Parman
Warren Mott High School
Warren Consolidated Schools