I recently had the opportunity to teach 30 middle school students about soybean breeding as part of the Soy Smarts Summer Camp, an event sponsored by the Ohio Bioproducts Innovation Center (OBIC) and the Ohio Soybean Council.  The two-day camp included interactive lessons showcasing several disciplines connected to soybean research and bioproducts, including soil science, plant pathology, entomology, agronomy, and food science. 

OBIC connects members of the bioproducts community with the ultimate goal of facilitating the commercialization of more sustainable technologies.  Bioproducts are made from plant-derived resources, rather than non-renewable resources such as petroleum, and are thus considered more environmentally friendly.  As the bioproduct industry grows, OBIC has extended their mission to include educating the next generation through outreach programs like the Soy Smarts Summer Camp. 

During my session, I discussed how breeders work to improve soybeans and the importance of studying DNA.  Students then worked in teams to extract DNA from apple sauce.  As part of the exercise, they learned where DNA resides in the cell and how scientists use a plant’s “genetic blueprint” to improve traits like disease resistance.  Campers finished the session by making necklaces out of the extracted DNA. 

It was fun to see the students assume the scientist role and make observations about the DNA extraction process (including the similarity in appearance between DNA and snot).  Overall, the Soy Smarts Summer Camp exposed students to various careers connected to bioproducts and gave them a new appreciation for the science behind every new product or technology. 

For more information on how to extract DNA from apple sauce, please see below:

Apple sauce DNA extraction procedure:

1.  Prepare the detergent by mixing 500 mL water, 10g salt, and 50 mL dish soap.

2. Add 15 mL of the detergent to 15 mL of applesauce and shake gently to mix. The detergent acts as an extraction buffer, breaking down the cell membranes to release the DNA.

3. Slowly strain the mixture through a piece of cheesecloth into an empty tube until you have collected approximately 15 mL of applesauce solution.

4. Slowly pour 15 mL of isopropyl alcohol down the side of the tube containing the applesauce solution. The alcohol precipitates the DNA in the applesauce solution, turning it into a solid. The DNA is in the milky layer that is floating above the applesauce solution.

5. Insert the wooden skewer into the milky layer that formed between the applesauce solution and the propanol. Swirl the skewer around and gently remove it from the tube to extract a ball of DNA from the solution.

Source:  Arabidopsis Biological Resource Center & Center for Applied Plant Sciences Curriculum Guide

Written by TPS Fellow Stephanie Karhoff