DNA contains the instructions for the proteins needed for cells to survive
Differences in genomes differentiates banana cells from human cells, and the organization and structure of the DNA is crucial in how genes are activated and how a cell survives and functions.
Today we reviewed how DNA is organized in the cell, and the chemical structure of DNA. Using this knowledge, we conducted an experiment to extract DNA from 3 fruits - banana, kiwi and strawberry. We hypothesized which fruits have larger genomes and why - based on observations of the fruits, the plants themselves, and the native regions where the plants originate. Each step of the extraction was discussed based on the structure of the cells and the chemistry of DNA. Each student should finish the experiment by recording their final observations in their notebooks and recording the amount of DNA extracted for each fruit (using a graduated cylinder). We will finish our discussion on this experiment and genome organization next lesson.