Extracting DNA from hair is a straightforward process that involves breaking down the hair shaft to release the genetic material. This can be done using simple household items or with more sophisticated laboratory techniques. Here's a breakdown of the steps:
Materials You'll Need
- Hair sample (ideally, with the root bulb attached)
- Salt
- Dish soap
- Water
- Clear glass or plastic container
- Test tube or small container
- Rubbing alcohol or isopropyl alcohol (90% or higher)
Steps
- Prepare the Hair: Collect a few strands of hair, ideally with the root bulb still attached. If you're using hair without the root, you might need to use a more advanced extraction method.
- Create a Salt Solution: In the container, mix a teaspoon of salt with a cup of water. Stir until the salt dissolves completely.
- Add Hair and Soap: Place the hair sample in the salt solution. Add a few drops of dish soap and stir gently.
- Incubate: Leave the mixture to sit for at least 30 minutes, or longer if possible. The salt and soap will help break down the hair shaft and release the DNA.
- Extract the DNA: Carefully pour the solution into the test tube or container. Add rubbing alcohol to the solution until two layers form. The DNA will appear as a cloudy, white layer at the interface between the alcohol and the solution.
- Observe: You can use a toothpick or tweezers to carefully remove the DNA. The DNA will appear as a stringy, white substance.
Important Considerations
- Hair with Root: Hair with the root bulb attached contains more DNA and is easier to extract.
- Purity of DNA: The extracted DNA may not be pure and may contain other cellular components. For research purposes, more sophisticated methods are typically used.
- Safety: Always wear gloves and eye protection when handling chemicals.
Alternative Methods
For more advanced DNA extraction, you can use commercially available DNA extraction kits or seek the assistance of a laboratory. These methods utilize different reagents and techniques to achieve higher purity and quantity of DNA.
