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Strawberry DNA

Strawberry DNA is a popular table-top activity suitable for children aged 7-12. The aim is to teach the basic technique in DNA extraction, and describe the basics of what DNA is and where it is found. For a Halloween event called Spooky Science, kiwis were used in place of strawberries for their green colour - you are not limited to strawberries only.

Download Instructions

Kit available

The FHLS Public Engagement team keep some physical resources in stock, so we may have some of these items already. Please check out our inventory list here, and apply for your desired items using this form. Email it to us on HLSengagement@liverpool.ac.uk.

  • Strawberries (or other berries)
  • Ethanol
  • Dishwashing liquid
  • Salt
  • Eppendorf tube
  • Water (just a bucket full)
  • Plastic pipettes
  • Filter paper (paper towel)
  • Falcon tubes
  • Funnel
  • Cocktail sticks.

Instructions

  1. Place one strawberry in the zip lock bag and close it ensuring that as much air is out of the bag as possible.
  2. Add two syringes full of the washing liquid and water combination to the zip lock bag.
  3. Squish the strawberry until it’s all broken up.
  4. Place a funnel on top of the falcon tube and create filter paper by folding the kitchen roll into a square.
  5. Pour the broken-up strawberry into the funnel and wait until all the liquid has passed through the filter.
  6. Volunteers will pour the ethanol into the falcon tube at an angle to ensure that two layers form (a pink and clear layer)
  7. A cloudy area should form in between these two layers, this is the DNA.
  8. Using a cocktail stick pull the DNA out and put it into the Eppendorf tube.
  9. Close the Eppendorf tube and this is now ready for the kids to take home.

Potential Risks

Ethanol (Can cause serious burns)

  • Only volunteers will handle the ethanol.

Cocktail sticks

  • Volunteers will assist in this step to ensure that kids are safe at all times.