2004 Volume 2 Pages 19-24
In the present study, we designed a student laboratory experiment for a DNA extraction. At the first step, Bacillus natto cells were isolated from a traditional Japanese food “natto.” By using the isolated bacterial cells, Gram staining was carried out to confirm the Gram stain type. Then, DNA was extracted from the bacterial cells after lysing the cells with lysozyme. The laboratory experiment developed in the present study was tested in some in-service training courses for biology teachers in Osaka Prefecture, and positive evaluation was obtained from the attendees. The laboratory experiment was implemented in a senior high school advance biology class which was offered as an elective subject to the third-year students whose majors were science and mathematics. The implementation was successful. Therefore, the laboratory experiment developed is suitable for an inquiry activity in advanced biology classes.
