How is the cell wall of plant cell broken down during DNA extraction?

I can't tell you how it is done in a high-tech lab, but this low-tech way will work!

1. Since we are dealing with a plant cell (such as peas), the cell walls need to be broken. This is done by adding water to the peas (or whatever you are using), and blending them for a few seconds.

2. Add a small amount of Dawn dishwashing liquid (breaks the cell and nuclear membranes).

3. Add a pinch of meat tenderizer (separates the proteins from the DNA).

4. Stir gently.

5. Put about an inch of the material into a test tube.

6. Carefully add about the same amount of rubbing alcohol so that the alcohol forms a layer on top of the "pea soup."

7. Since DNA is less dense than the "pea soup," it will rise and it enters the alcohol layer and appears as a white stringy material.

Try googling "how to extract DNA from anything living."

DL