Our Mission

 

Experiment 1 - DNA Isolation From Fresh Strawberries

Date: March 12th, 2025

 

Goal - Isolate DNA from strawberries to examine structure and behavior both with naked eye and under 4x microscope. Allows better understanding of DNA manipulation and prepares for next experiment - DNA origami!

Experiment 2: Which Solution Can Dissolve DNA-Like Hydrogel Structures On Demand?

Date: March 28

Goal:

In this lab, the goal was to figure out which kind of solution will help break down a DNA-like structure the best. This is applicable to the real world as DNA plastic-like containers need to be "breakdownable on demand" when done being used and ideally into a state where they can be reused at a later time.

Results: 

This experiment found alkaline solution (pH of 10) to be much more effective than acidic (pH of 3) and neutral solutions (pH of 7) at breaking down the DNA-like hydrogels (red blobs pictured below which mimic the structure of future DNA plastic).

In the lab images taken 14 hours after pouring each solution over the DNA-like hydrogels, you can see:

• The pH 10 alkaline solution nearly entirely broke down the hydrogel, leaving behind a wispy remnant.
• The pH 7 warm water solution substantially dissolved the hydrogels, with a general, soft shape still present. 
• The pH 3 acidic solution hardened the DNA structure into a crinkly shape with a rubbery texture. It appears no breakdown occured.