Extract your own DNA! Ft. Moelis Access Science (MAS)

Stimulate your mind by seeing the molecule that makes you, you! First, find the following household items: salt, water, a clear glass or cup, dish soap, rubbing alcohol, tweezers. Then follow the steps below!

1. Add 1/2 of a teaspoon of table salt to 1/3 of a cup of water. Stir until all of the salt dissolves.
2. Swish a mouthful of salt water for at least one minute, then spit it into a clear glass. *Note: If you do not want to gargle with salt water, you may instead crush a few strawberries in a plastic bag with the salt water, and strain them into a glass through a paper towel or mesh strainer.  
3. Add a few drops of dish soap to the glass, and stir gently, being careful not to make any bubbles.
4. Gently add 1/2 of a cup of 70% rubbing alcohol to the glass by carefully pouring it down the side of the glass (DO NOT DRINK THE RUBBING ALCOHOL). Adding a few drops of food coloring to the rubbing alcohol will help you to see the DNA more clearly.
5. Let the solution sit for 5 minutes, and then your very own DNA should be visible as a white, stringy solid. You can use tweezers to pick it up, and hold a bit of yourself in your hand.