Easy Extract Your Own DNA (Video)!

Ok so a couple of things went through my mind when I originally clicked this video. One I thought that this was going to be difficult, and two, according to most criminal dramas this was difficult, and time consuming.

Come to figure out that this can be done at home in about 5 minutes.


Extract Your Own DNA

Behold your very own DNA in this do-it-yourself science experiment.
video.pbs.org...

I haven't tried it... yet

I have to admit I can think of all kinds of wacky things to do with this, imagine what we can do at home, and what is really done in a lab!!

Peace, NRE.

I saw this and thought(out of ignorance) that our DNA was on a much smaller scale than actual lengthy 'strands.' I thought when they said each and every cell contains DNA, I did not realize they were coiled up like this. KInda freaky, your code in a cup!

spec

reply to post by speculativeoptimist


I did too, I thought I needed a telescope, and some vials, a lab coat and an assistant, maybe some dramatic music in the background

Then I see some lady do it with items I have at home.

Peace, NRE.

Oh science... you never let me down!

reply to post by speculativeoptimist

Double helix, one cup? Couldn't resist.
ETA It won't let me watch the vid due to my location. It's probably just as well...

The tester was cute. Oh, we were talking about DNA. My bad.

wouldnt allow me to watch it, something to do with rights in my area. tut lol

I can't watch too. Someone post the procedure please?

NOVA Presents: D.I.Y. Science

How to Extract Your Own DNA

Ingredients

(Image of bottled water, clear dish soap, food coloring, table salt, and 70% isopropyl alcohol)

And… you!

Step 1: Mix 500 ml drinking water with 1 tbsp salt

Step 2: Stir until salt is dissolved. Then transfer 3 tbsp of salt water into a clear cup.

Step 3: Gargle the salt water for 1 minute.

Step 4: Spit the water back into the cup. Now your cheek cells are suspended in the salt water.

Step 5: Gently stir the salt water with one drop of soap. (Avoid bubbles as much as possible).

Note: Soap breaks down the cell membranes, releasing the DNA.

Step 6: In a separate cup, mix 100 ml isopropyl alcohol and 3 drops of food coloring.

Step 7: Tilt the salt water cup and gently pour the alcohol so that it forms a layer on top (about 2 cm thick).

Step 8: Wait about 2.5 minutes. You should see white clumps and strings forming.

(Image of strings and clumps of DNA)

That's your DNA!

reply to post by speculativeoptimist


Thanks spec

Peace, NRE.

OK, which way is the cloning machine? I want to feel like a new me, younger, fitter and much better looking.

What are you supposed to do with your DNA once you've extracted it? :p

When you see something like this, you HAVE to ask yourself what is the big science hoopla about? I want to clone myself, maybe use some of this DNA and mix it with a plant and make Venus flytrap with my face or genetics, j/k of course.... or maybe

Peace, NRE.

reply to post by NoRegretsEver


So did ya do it yet? C'mon NRE, show us your DNA!
Pics or it didn't happen!