Strawberry Breeding and Genetics

Students learn about DNA by extracting it from strawberries. Students also analyze the similarities and differences of their extraction process to those on Genetic Engineering: The Journey of a Gene. Students learn how genetic testing (including DNA extraction) is useful in breeding new varieties of strawberries.

Grades
9 – 12
Estimated Time
1 hour
Updated
January 30, 2024

Background

Lesson Activities

Credits

Author

Caitlin Falcone, Erin Ingram, and Molly Brandt | University of Nebraska – Lincoln

Acknowledgements

Author Affiliations:

  • Caitlin Falcone: Lourdes Central Catholic, Nebraska City, NE
  • Erin Ingram: University of Nebraska-Lincoln, IANR Science Literacy Initiative, National Center for Agricultural Literacy
  • Molly Brandt: University of Nebraska-Lincoln, IANR Science Literacy Initiative, National Center for Agricultural Literacy

Standards

National Content Area Standards

  • Career & Technical Education
    • AFNR (Grades 9-12): Biotechnology Systems Career Pathway
      • BS.02.05: Examine and perform scientific procedures using microbes, DNA, RNA and proteins in a laboratory.
      • BS.03.04: Apply biotechnology principles, techniques and processes to enhance plant and animal care and production (e.g., selective breeding, pharmaceuticals, biodiversity, etc.).
  • Science
    • HS-LS1: From Molecules to Organisms: Structures and Processes
      • HS-LS1-1: Construct an explanation based on evidence for how the structure of DNA determines the structure of proteins which carry out the essential functions of life through systems of specialized cells.
    • HS-LS3: Heredity: Inheritance and Variation of Traits
      • HS-LS3-1: Ask questions to clarify relationships about the role of DNA and chromosomes in coding the instructions for characteristic traits passed from parents to offspring.