Many of the human DNA kits out in the market place today have poor yields. However, if you follow this procedure correctly you will obtain an abundance of you own DNA.

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Background

DNA is stored in the nuclei of your cells and a great source is your saliva.  So, you will collect a sample of your epithelial cells from your saliva, break the cells open, and remove the DNA from the cells you have collected.  The epithelial cells that line the inside of your mouth divide frequently, coming off easily as new cells continuously replace the old ones.  In fact, these cells are coming off and being replaced every time you chew and eat food.

Materials

• 1 - 6oz. paper cup
• 1 -bottle of water
• 10 ml lysis buffer
• warm water bath
• meat tenderizer
• Ice-cold ethanol (90% or higher concentration)
• test tubes
• small spoon (sample type)
• coffee stirrer
• Safety goggles

• Most of the chemicals are fairly mild but treat all chemicals with respect.
• Wear safety goggles.  
• Make sure you wash your hands after the lab.

Lysis Buffer Recipe

Mix 100 ml of dishwashing liquid, 15 grams of salt and then add water to make 1 liter.  Stir but do not shake.  You do not want a lot of bubbles.  For the best results mix the lysis buffer a couple of days before you need it.  The mixture has a great shelf life if you keep it in a clean, covered container.

Notes

Remember that DNA is polar and will dissolve in water.  So, it is the ethanol that causes the DNA to precipate.  Keep the ethanol ice cold and you will get better results.

Click here for the pdf