Science 

Yr 9 SEAL Science: 10 Biology Unit

The last few weeks 9G has begun their Year 10 Biology unit, with a focus on heredity.  We began with some studies of DNA, including a practical of extracting DNA from strawberries and peas.  Students separated the DNA from the rest of the cell contents using a variety of enzymes.  First they had to break up the proteins and cell and nuclear membranes to get the DNA out, then they used an alcohol solution to separate the DNA more easily (DNA is not soluble in alcohol).   They then applied dye to the DNA to make it more visible and took some photos of what they could see in their microscopes.  In these photos, the DNA appears as clumps of darkened fibres. 

Ashley Forster – Science Domain Leader