The question: What does DNA look like?
While many of the 23andMe scientists have purified DNA more times than we’d like to remember, there are a fair number of people here (on the science team and on the engineering and business teams) who’ve never spent any time at the lab bench. We love all things DNA around here, so we recently set out to make sure everyone at 23andMe has gotten up close and personal with some Gs, Cs, Ts, and As.
We didn’t use human DNA — instead we isolated the genetic material of strawberries (click here for instructions). It’s pretty simple: smash up some strawberries with some soap and salt, add some rubbing alcohol, and voila! DNA!
As you can see in the pictures and video below, it’s an activity that is fun for all ages!
[minislides]
