Without DNA our existence would not be possible. Each of our approximately 37.2 trillion cells is tightly packed with about two metres of DNA, yet we rarely even think about it. Mackenzie Cowell, cofounder of DIYbio.org, a community for DIY biologists, has designed an experiment to get you better acquainted with your own unique set of double-stranded foundations.
1. Gather your supplies
You will need a shot glass and some ice-cold alcohol of your choice. Rum, vodka, tequila or any other booze should work, although the higher the alcohol concentration the better. If you're planning on drinking your DNA, do not use rubbing alcohol or any other toxic substance. You will also need some dishwashing soap that contains sodium lauryl sulphate; table salt; and a protease substitute (an enzyme that breaks down other enzymes). For the latter, meat tenderiser, contact-lens-cleaning solution or pineapple juice work. "There's a degree of overlap in the lab and at home," says Cowell. "So it's possible to approximate professional molecular biology and chemistry techniques with ordinary home chemicals and supplies."
2. Isolate your DNA
You need to fill the shot glass up to the one-quarter mark with your saliva. Rub your tongue along your gums to ensure you slough off plenty of genetic material and avoid eating before collecting.
Once your glass is full, add one drop of the soap. The detergents in it will break open the cells contained in your saliva, releasing their contents -- including DNA -- into the solution. Add a drop of your protease substitute, which will break down proteins to reduce contamination with the DNA. Finally, add a tiny pinch of salt -- less than 1/16 of a teaspoon. The salt's sodium ions contain a positive charge which encourages the negatively charged DNA molecules to bond into sodium-DNA clumps. Gently swirl the shot glass to mix the solution.
3. Spool and shoot
Tilt your shot glass and carefully fill it to the top with alcohol. Try not to let the alcohol break the surface of the saliva solution -- you want it to form a pool on top. A cloudy, thin layer should immediately form between the saliva and alcohol: this cloud is your DNA. To create a spool of DNA and extract it from the shot glass, gently swirl the tip of a toothpick around the cloudy layer, then slowly lift it out of the liquid. Your DNA should trail behind as a viscous thread. If so compelled, you can also drink your DNA shot. (In the amounts used in the instructions in point one, all of the chemicals listed are benign.) Cowell warns, however, that it "tastes pretty gross because of the soap". The fact that it's 25 per cent saliva won't help either.
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
