DNA: The Microscopic, But Berry Important Molecule

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is the blueprint of life. DNA carries the genetic code that determines how every organism develops, functions, and reproduces. In this interactive activity, participants will extract DNA from strawberries, a fruit that has eight sets of chromosomes, making it possible to observe the DNA without a microscope. Along with the hands-on activity, we will explore why DNA is essential for life, how it functions, and how scientists utilize it today in various fields, including disease research, ancestry testing, and genetic engineering.