DNA Extraction Necklace

Adult supervision: (choking hazards, liquids not for drinking, etc.)
Please read the procedure before beginning! After reading, please watch the video. Some activities require more time and cleanup than others. You also have the choice of performing these activities in a way that suits your needs.

Materials

2 Paper Cups
Juicebox
Toothbrush
Dish detergent
Tongue depressor
2 pipettes
Empty vial with cork
91% isopropyl alcohol
Scissors
Cord
Beads

Procedure

Note: This activity is best performed several hours after a meal—results may vary if done immediately after eating.

Open the juicebox by poking the straw through the hole. Remove the straw, and carefully pour juice into one of the cups until it is about half full.
Dip the toothbrush into the juice, then brush the insides of your cheeks for 60 seconds. This will extract skin cells and saliva cells that DNA can be extracted from. After brushing for 60 seconds, spit into the empty cup.
Use one of the pipettes to add a few drops to of dish detergent to the cup so that it is about half spit and half detergent.
Slowly stir with the tongue depressor until combined. Do not stir so quickly that bubbles form.
Use the pipette from the dish detergent to add the mixture to the empty vial until it is about half full.
Use the other pipette to fill the remainder of the vial with isopropyl alcohol. Add the alcohol slowly so that the liquids do not mix—the alcohol will form a layer on top. Firmly place the cork back on the vial.
Do not shake or stir the vial—wait for about 5 minutes, and white strands will appear at the line between the liquids. This is DNA.
Cut the cord to the desired length of a necklace (make sure it will fit over your head when it is tied) and string it through the hook. Add beads on either side, and tie it to complete the necklace.

Science Behind it!