DNA extraction techniques for use in education

DNA extraction provides a hands-on introduction to DNA and enables students to gain real life experience and practical knowledge of DNA. Students gain a sense of ownership and are more enthusiastic when they use their own DNA. A cost effective, simple protocol for DNA extraction and visualization was devised. Buccal mucosal epithelia provide a readily available source of cells for DNA extraction and can be harvested in a painless, noninvasive manner. Seven criteria were established to evaluate the protocol: Safety, DNA yield, DNA quality/stability, cost, user friendliness, reliability, and time. To identify the optimum conditions for each stage of the protocol (cell harvest, lysis, purification, and precipitation), each was investigated separately, and an adaptation of the fast-boiling protocol was used for the remaining stages. A validation study was undertaken with the optimized protocol to assess its performance when conducted by a group of students in a classroom setting. The optimum protocol used an isotonic Lucozade Hydro Active Fitness Water (HAFW) mouthwash. Lysis was achieved using a TE (10 mM Tris-HCl, 1 mM EDTA, pH 8) + 1% Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate (SDS) buffer. Protein was then digested using Proteinase K (Qiagen Inc., UK) at 56°C for 10 min. The DNA was then precipitated with sodium chloride and absolute ethanol. This protocol achieved an increase in DNA yield using readily available equipment and reagents at a lower per capita cost and is simple to use.