DNA Banana Extraction

meat tenderizer

contains the enzyme papain. This helps remove extra proteins from the DNA, allowing the DNA to separate from the protein and unwind

heat

helps destroy/denature enzymes that break down DNA. If they were left intact, they would cut the DNA into small fragments, making it difficult to extract

dish soap

since the plasma and nuclear membranes are composed of phospholipids, the detergent helps break down the fatty membranes around the cell and nuclei and release DNA into the solution

ice bath

slows down breakdown of DNA, allows cell membrane and protein to continue to break down

salt

washes the cells, the body has the same amount of concentration inside the body cells, so the cells will not rupture or shrink