Year 10 biology help (pretty simple)?

Question

We have done a science experiment, by extacting DNA from wheat germ.

in our discussion questions, we have been asked a number of questions but i am stuck on one.

the question is:

"How do we break up the cell membranes of the cell, and why?"

thanks

Answer 1

The Cell Membrane is made up of phospholipids - these are mostly fatty molecules. So you probably used some kind of substance (like detergent) to actually break both the cell membrane and the nucleus membrane (the DNA is found in the nucleus and that is why that membrane also needs to be broken down). So how, by using a substance that would break down the fatty component of the membrane (like detergent) and why - to get to the DNA inside the cell.