Most cells contain DNA in the form of chromosomes located in the nucleus.
In this experiment we will purify DNA from the living cells of plant tissue such as lentil beans or peas. Plant cells are surrounded by a cell membrane and a cell wall. The first step in the purification of DNA from plants will be to digest the cell wall with an enzyme called papain. Papain is a naturally occuring enzyme used in some meat tenderizers. Next we will break the cell membranes using a detergent like those present in dish soap.