DNA Extraction

DNA is extracted from human cells for a variety of reasons. With a pure sample of DNA you can test a newborn for a genetic disease, analyze forensic evidence, or study a gene involved in cancer. Try this virtual laboratory to perform a cheek swab and extract DNA from human cells.


Try It Yourself!

How To Extract DNA From Anything Living

To learn how to do DNA extraction yourself, use the link in the grey box above the virtual lab.

  • Funding

    Supported by a Science Education Partnership Award (SEPA) Grant No. R25RR023288 from the National Center for Research Resources.

    The contents provided here are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of NIH.