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INUVIK
It wasn't quite like extracting dinosaur DNA from preserved mosquitoes like in the movie Jurassic Park, but a biology workshop held by Inuvik resident Kate Snow at the Inuvik Youth Centre on Sunday acted as an introduction into basic biology.

Kate Snow mixes a bonding agent into vials containing pure fruit juice from kiwis, bananas, blueberries and raspberries. - Danielle Sachs/NNSL photo

The purpose of the workshop was to show participants how to extract DNA from fruit using common household ingredients. Dish soap, salt, water and rubbing alcohol featured prominently and it wasn't long before the participants were scooping strands of DNA out of test tubes labelled bio-hazard.

"The only reason they say bio-hazard is because that's what I had on hand," said Snow. "The activity we did tonight is really basic, but it gives them a deeper understanding of what they're eating."

First, participants had to crush up a selection of blueberries, raspberries, bananas and kiwi. Once they were crushed, Snow made them filter out the remaining pulp, leaving behind pure fruit juice.

Mixing the juice with soap bonded the strands of DNA and by adding the rubbing alcohol the participants were able to scoop out solid globs of material from the juice.

"I wanted them to see they can do this," said Snow. "They have the brains to do it and it's just a fun thing to see."

Snow, born and raised in Inuvik, went to Pensacola Christian College and graduated with a degree in biology. She returned to Inuvik and now works for Fisheries and Oceans Canada. She had been looking for an opportunity to share her love of science with the youth in Inuvik and said she was happy the new youth centre gave her an opportunity to do so.

"I wanted to volunteer and at the same time share some of my knowledge," said Snow. "This is bio-chemistry in a nutshell."

Delaney Arey took part in the workshop. She started by trying to extract juice from blueberries but Snow eventually had her switch to a kiwi.

"It was hard to squeeze juice out of the blueberries," said Arey. "The kiwi was way easier ... and the juice was already squeezed out."

Snow was pleased with the turnout at the workshop, she said it's easier with a smaller group of youth because they can get the attention and help they might need.

"Between eight and 10 is a good number," she said. "Any more than that and it can get really hectic."

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