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Extracting DNA from Cheek Cells
DNA Extraction
  1. Swish 10 mL saline solution in mouth to dislodge buccal epithelial cells
  2. Expel into cup
  3. Using 1.5 mL expelled solution, centrifuge for 3 minutes at 14,000 rpm
  4. Carefully remove supernatant, leaving cell pellet undisturbed
  5. Break up pellet by vortexing
  6. Add 500 µL 10% chelex solution. Chelex resin will settle out very quickly so it is best to invert the tube frequently when pipetting
  7. Heat at 56°C for 10 minutes, vortexing halfway through
  8. Heat at 100°C for 5 minutes
  9. Cool on ice for 3 minutes
  10. Centrifuge at 8,000 rpm for 5 minutes 
  11. Transfer 300-400µL supernatant to new tube.

Recipes

0.9% Saline Solution

Final Volume
Unit

Main Ingredients

Ingredient Amount
Sodium Chloride 900 mg
Bring to 100 mL with water

10% Chelex Solution

Final Volume
Unit

Main Ingredients

Ingredient Amount
Chelex 100 Sodium Form 1 g
Bring to 10 mL with water