Experiment with extracting DNA at home!

Following our successful collaboration with Illumina, to celebrate DNA Day, which highlights the achievements of science and the advancements in genetic research.  Science has an important impact on our lives and now is your chance to try this fun learning opportunity at home! 

What you’ll need:

• A ripe strawberry (or dried)

• A small plastic sealable bag

• 1/4 teaspoon of salt

• 1/4 teaspoon of dish soap

• 1 tablespoon of water

• A coffee filter or cheesecloth

• A small cup or glass

• A toothpick or wooden skewer

First, put the strawberry into the plastic bag and squish the strawberry until it is a pulp. Add salt, dish soap, and water to the bag and mix.

The salt helps to break down the cell walls, while the soap helps to break down the cell membranes, releasing the DNA.

Next, place the coffee filter or cheesecloth over a small cup or glass and pour the strawberry mixture through it. The filter will catch the pulp and the liquid will pass through into the cup or glass. Using a toothpick or wooden skewer, carefully scoop up the DNA that has collected at the surface of the liquid. You should be able to see thin, white strands of DNA that look like spider webs.

We hope you enjoy learning about genomics and DNA. If you would like to share the outcome of your experiment please email us at marketing@formthefuture.org.uk