AGRI 108
BASIC BIOTECHNOLOGY
LABORATORY MANUAL
FACULTY INFORMATION:
MINEARBA ELLIN S. CAYLALUAD, L. Agr., LPT, MS (candidate)
INSTRUCTOR 1
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
NORTHWESTERN MINDANAO STATE COLLEGE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
E-MAIL: minearbaellin.caylaluad@nmsc.edu.ph
CELLPHONE NO.: 09553968099
FB ACCOUNT: Minearba Ellin Salig Caylaluad
INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the Basic Biotechnology Manual tailored specifically for college students! This
manual is designed to be your comprehensive companion as you embark on your journey into the
fascinating world of biotechnology. Whether you're studying biology, biochemistry, microbiology,
or any related field, mastering basic laboratory techniques is essential for understanding the
principles and applications of biotechnology.
Biotechnology, the interdisciplinary field that merges biology with technology, holds immense
promise in addressing diverse challenges ranging from healthcare and agriculture to environmental
conservation and industrial processes. As college students eager to explore this dynamic field,
acquiring practical skills in laboratory techniques will not only enhance your understanding but
also pave the way for future research endeavors and career opportunities.
This manual is structured to provide a hands-on approach to fundamental laboratory techniques
commonly employed in biotechnology research and industry. Starting with safety protocols and
laboratory etiquette, we'll progress through a series of experiments covering key areas such as
DNA manipulation, protein analysis, microbial culture techniques, and more. Each protocol is
presented in a clear, step-by-step format, accompanied by illustrations and explanations to
facilitate your learning process.
Beyond just learning how to perform these techniques, understanding the underlying principles is
crucial. Therefore, this manual also includes concise explanations of the scientific concepts behind
each procedure, ensuring that you grasp not only the "how" but also the "why" of biotechnological
experiments. Additionally, troubleshooting tips are provided to help you overcome common
challenges encountered in the laboratory, empowering you to approach experiments with
confidence and resilience.
Whether you're conducting experiments as part of your coursework, engaging in undergraduate
research projects, or preparing for future careers in biotechnology, the skills acquired through this
manual will prove invaluable. By mastering these basic techniques, you'll develop a strong
foundation for more advanced studies and practical applications in the field.
We hope this manual serves as a trusted resource and guide throughout your journey in
biotechnology education. Let's embark on this exciting exploration together, as we unlock the
mysteries of life and harness the power of biotechnology to shape a better future for generations
to come. Happy experimenting!
OBJECTIVES:
 Explain the importance of genetic modification in agriculture for improving
crop yield, quality, and resilience to pests and diseases.
 Provide simple examples and illustrations to help students grasp the
fundamentals of genetic engineering techniques such as gene insertion and
gene editing.
 Explore simple microbial techniques such as composting, biofertilizer
production, and biopesticide formulation.
 Engage students in activities such as observing different plant traits,
conducting simple crosses, and analyzing inheritance patterns to reinforce
concepts.
 Stimulate discussions on the ethical, social, and environmental aspects of
agricultural biotechnology.
 Encourage critical thinking about issues such as genetically modified
organisms (GMOs), patenting of genetically engineered crops, and access to
biotechnological innovations in developing countries.
 Provide resources and case studies to help students explore diverse
perspectives and develop informed opinions on the ethical dilemmas
associated with agricultural biotechnology.
Name:
Date Performed:
Course and Year:
Date Submitted:
Instructor’s Initial:
Rating:
AGRI 108
BASIC BIOTECHNOLOGY
LABORATORY MANUAL
LABORATORY ACTIVITY NO. 1
DNA ISOLATION
INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the DNA Isolation Laboratory Exercise! In this session, you will delve
into one of the fundamental techniques in molecular biology: the isolation of DNA
from biological samples. Understanding how to extract DNA is a critical skill in
various fields, including genetics, forensics, biotechnology, and medical research.
This exercise will provide you with hands-on experience in isolating DNA, allowing
you to explore the fascinating world of genetic material.
DNA isolation is a process that involves extracting DNA from cells or tissues,
separating it from other cellular components, and purifying it for downstream
applications such as PCR, sequencing, cloning, and genetic analysis. By isolating
DNA, scientists can study its structure, function, and genetic information, unraveling
the mysteries of life at the molecular level.
In this laboratory exercise, you will follow a step-by-step protocol to isolate DNA
from a biological sample, such as plant tissue, animal cells, or bacteria. The protocol
involves several key steps, including cell lysis to release DNA, removal of proteins
and other contaminants, and precipitation of DNA for purification. Throughout the
procedure, you will learn about the principles behind each step and the role of
different reagents and techniques in DNA isolation.
Moreover, this exercise will highlight the importance of proper laboratory
techniques, including pipetting, centrifugation, and handling of hazardous
chemicals. Safety precautions will be emphasized to ensure your well-being and the
integrity of the experiment.
By the end of this laboratory session, you will have successfully isolated DNA from
your sample, obtaining a visible pellet of purified genetic material. You will also
have gained a deeper understanding of the principles and techniques involved in
DNA isolation, preparing you for future experiments and applications in molecular
biology.
We hope this laboratory exercise provides you with a valuable learning experience
and ignites your curiosity about the remarkable molecule that is DNA. Let's embark
on this journey of discovery together, as we unravel the secrets encoded within the
building blocks of life. Enjoy the experiment!
OBJECTIVES:
 Introduce students to the fundamental concepts of DNA isolation, including the structure
of DNA, cellular components, and the rationale behind isolating DNA from onion.
 Explain the procedures during the isolation process.
 Isolate DNA from onion.
METHODOLODY
Materials:
Onion (Medium size)
Liquid detergent
Salt
Strainer
Ethanol
Ice cubes
Chopping board
Distilled Water
Measuring cup/Beaker
Plastic spoon
Plastic gloves
Funnel
Bowl (1)
Mortar and pistle
Bamboo stick/stirring rod
Plastic cup (1)
Glass cup (2)
Cheese cloth/filter paper
Hot water
Knife (1)
Procedures:
1. Chop onion to smaller pieces (the smaller the better).
2. Pound the chopped onions until it becomes watery.
3. Mix 10g of liquid detergent, ¼ teaspoon salt, and 100mL distilled water.
4. Transfer pounded onion into the plastic cup.
5. Pour the solution (from step 2) to the pounded onion in the plastic cup.
6. Stir gently, then strain using the strainer into the glass cup.
7. Incubate for 5 minutes.
8. Pour hot water into a bowl, then place the cup in the middle for 10 minutes.
9. Replace the hot water, with ice cubes and let it sit for 5 minutes.
10. Remove the glass cup, then add approximately 30 mL of the filtrate into another cup and
pour the same amount of ethanol. Stir gently until the appearance of white substance.
LEARNING ACTIVITIES
Procedure question:
1. Why do we need to crush the onion?
2. Why did we use liquid detergent?
3. What is the role of salt in the experiment?
4. Why did we cool the filtrate?
Discussion question:
1. To extract DNA from cells, what must be isolated from onion?
2. What steps did we use to extract the DNA?
3. What is DNA used for, when it is extracted?
Attach the evidence of the different steps in isolating the DNA.
Reference:
http://www.ctbiobus.org
www.accessexcellence.org
www.biotech.iastate.edu
www.biology.arizona.edu