Chromosomes & DNA
What are chromosomes? What is DNA? Where do we find them and how can we see them? Students extract DNA from kiwifruit and examine garlic chromosomes.
Risk Assessment
| Activity | Hazard | Precaution | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| DNA from Kiwi Fruit | Alcohol (industrial methylated spirit): Toxic | • Small measured quantities dispensed in tubes. • Students warned not to drink | Low |
| Alcohol (industrial methylated spirit): Flammable | • No naked flames in lab • Wipe up spillage | Very low | |
| Detergent – emetic | Warn students not to drink | Low | |
| Chromosomes from garlic | Dilute hydrochloric acid - Irritant | • Eye protection worn. • Irrigate if enters eye | Low |
| Orecin: minimal hazard but possibly irritant to eyes | • Eye protection worn. • Irrigate if enters eye | Low | |
| Orecin: stains skin, clothes and furniture | Mop up spillages | Very low | |
| Glasswear: Danger of cuts if broken | • Use of plastic labwear where appropriate • Any breakages swept up and placed in glass bin | Low |
