DNA Extraction from Wheat Germ

This is a quick and dirty DNA extraction.

Protocol

1. Obtain 1 g of wheat germ and place in a large test tube.

2. Add 15 mL of 55^oC water and mix constantly with a glass stir rod for 3 minutes.

3. Add 1 mL of detergent and mix gently for 5 s every 30 s for 5 minutes. Try not to create foam.

4. Tilt the test tube and SLOWLY add 10 mL of ethyl alcohol down the side so that it forms a layer on top of the water/wheat germ/detergent mixture. Do not mix the two layers.

5. Let the test tube stand for 2 min. White, stringy DNA will begin to appear at the interface between the two layers.

6. Use a wood splint to recover as much DNA as possible from the tube.

Discussion suggestions
1. You may want to compare the amount of DNA you were able to extract to that of other groups
2. By referring to specific steps in the protocol, you could suggest how the extraction could be improved.