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STEPS TO EXTRACT DNA FROM A BANANA

What makes us who we are? Things like our hair color, eye color, body shape, whether we’re male or female, or even the fact that we’re human instead of a dog, are all determined by something called DNA.

DNA can be a tricky subject for kids because it’s hard to understand—it’s not something we can see easily. The actual structure of DNA is so tiny you’d need an electron microscope to look at it! But you can see the strands that make up DNA, and you can even extract them from a banana. Here’s a simple experiment to show your child how to extract DNA, so they can see the strands inside the cells for themselves.

What Is DNA

DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is the material inside the cells of living things that carries the genetic code for creating and maintaining life. While most living organisms have DNA, some viruses have RNA instead.

DNA is made up of smaller sections called genes, and each gene contains the instructions for how an organism looks and functions. In most cells, DNA exists as two strands that are joined together, but in reproductive cells (sperm and eggs), the DNA is split. When these cells come together during reproduction, they combine their DNA to form a new organism.

This mixing of DNA is what creates genetic variation, which is why no two people (or animals) are exactly alike.

If you’d like to make a model of DNA, you can try creating a Candy DNA Model, which we found fun and educational at Science Sparks.

Though you can’t see the actual DNA structure with the naked eye, this simple science experiment for kids will let you collect DNA and show that it’s string-like, giving a glimpse into how DNA works.

Extracting DNA With Kids

DNA can be easily extracted from soft fruits like bananas because they are simple for kids to mash and puree. Mashing breaks down some of the cell structures, making it easier to extract and view the DNA. This is a fun and hands-on way for kids to understand how DNA works!

We used a banana because it was the softest fruit we had at home, but fruits like pineapple, strawberry, and kiwi work really well too.

Just a reminder, adult supervision is needed when handling Isopropyl alcohol, as it can be hazardous if not used properly.

Materials Needed For DNA Extraction From A Banana

We’ve provided instructions for extracting DNA using a Chemistry set, which you can find on US Amazon or UK Amazon if you have one at home. Alternatively, you can also use simple kitchen equipment to carry out the experiment if you prefer a more accessible option.

COMMON MATERIALS

  • Knife
  • Chopping board
  • Sieve
  • Bamboo Skewer
  • Banana
  • Isopropyl alcohol (Rubbing Alcohol) available from the Chemist or on Amazon in the UK a VERY strong vodka may work but we didn’t try that in this experiment
  • Warm water
  • 1 tea spoon of salt
  • Washing-up Liquid (Dish Soap)

MATERIALS FROM CHEMISTRY SET

  • 2 x Beaker or Beaker and Conical Flask
  • Stirring Road
  • 2 Test tubes
  • Test Tube Holder

MATERIALS FROM THE KITCHEN

  • 2 glases
  • Plastic bag which seals
  • Fork

Preparation

You will need to place the Isopropyl alcohol in the freezer before starting the experiment, as you need it to be cold for the extraction process. Make sure to give it enough time to chill!

HOW TO EXTRACT DNA FROM A BANANA

Make sure you have a clear and clean workspace before starting, and wear safety glasses for protection while conducting the experiment.

Step 1: Cut up half a banana into slices and then quarter these slices to make it easier to mash.

Step 2: Place the banana in a beaker or a small sealable plastic bag. Then, smash it into a mush! You can use a fork or stirring rod to mash it in the beaker, or use your hands on the outside of the plastic bag to crush the banana.

Step 3: In a separate beaker or glass, prepare a solution by adding warm water and dissolving a teaspoon of salt. Once the salt is dissolved, add about 5 small squirts of washing-up liquid and stir well. This solution helps break down the cell membranes.

Step 4: Pour the salt and washing-up liquid mixture into the mushed-up bananas. Stir thoroughly until you have a gooey, liquidy banana solution. This helps release the DNA from the cells.

Step 5: Place a sieve over the glass or beaker you used for the water mixture. Pour the banana mixture into the sieve, letting the liquid pass through while catching any remaining clumps of banana. This will leave you with a filtered banana liquid.

Step 6: Now, half-fill an empty glass or test tube with the filtered banana solution. This will prepare it for the next step in the extraction process.

Step 7: Ask an adult to fill a test tube about 1 cm full, or a glass about 1/4 full, with the Isopropyl alcohol that has been chilled in the freezer.

Step 8: Gently pour the cold Isopropyl alcohol down the side of the test tube or glass containing the banana solution. You may find it easier to do this with a pipette if you have one available. This will allow the alcohol to layer on top of the banana solution without mixing.

Step 9: Observe the layer of white that forms above the banana liquid. This is the DNA! Take a skewer or similar object, gently place it into this white layer, and then pull it out. You should be able to see the strands of DNA clinging to the skewer.

That snot-like substance you see is actually strands of DNA! You can use a microscope or a magnifying glass to get a closer look at the strands and examine them in more detail. Full instructions on how to prepare DNA samples for viewing, as well as how to extract DNA from a strawberry, can be found here (under “What does Strawberry DNA look like”).

The Process Explained

DNA is stored in the nucleus of the cells within the banana. To extract it, we need to break up the cells and their membranes so that the DNA is released into the liquid.

Mashing the banana helps break up some of the cells, but the salt and soap are needed to fully break down the cell membranes and free the DNA. The soap helps to dissolve the cell walls and membranes, while the salt helps to trap the DNA, allowing it to become visible in the liquid.

Isopropyl alcohol is crucial because DNA doesn’t mix with it. Instead, it forms a separate layer on top of the banana liquid. By adding the alcohol carefully, the DNA collects in this layer, and we can then use a skewer to pull it out and examine it.

Where Does This Fit In Science?

It’s a fun experiment for kids, but how does it fit into science learning? Here are some ideas on where you can incorporate this experiment.

LEARNING ABOUT DINOSAURS

If you’re learning about dinosaurs and the question arises, “Could we recreate them now?” then DNA is key to the discussion. Perhaps you’ve seen Jurassic Park, where they extract DNA from a mosquito—now, you can see what that DNA extraction might look like in real life!

WHEN LEARNING ABOUT REPRODUCTION

A great time to introduce DNA is when discussing sexual reproduction, as this is when the female and male sex cells combine to create offspring. Whether it’s plants or animals, understanding DNA helps explain how traits are passed down and how new organisms are formed.

EVOLUTION, INHERITANCE AND NATURAL SELECTION

If you’re covering evolution and inheritance, this experiment is a perfect opportunity to explore how characteristics are passed to offspring. It’s a great way to introduce the concept of genetic variation and mutation before diving deeper into these topics.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, extracting DNA from a banana is a fun and hands-on way for kids to understand the basics of genetics. This experiment demonstrates how DNA is released from cells and allows children to visually observe DNA strands. Whether you’re learning about dinosaurs, sexual reproduction, or evolution, this simple experiment ties into key scientific concepts, making it an engaging introduction to the fascinating world of DNA and inheritance.

HAIR COLOR CHART: HOW TO MATCH HAIR COLORS TO YOUR SKIN TONE

Navigating hair color charts can be tricky, especially since different brands have variations. However, mastering how these charts work will empower you to choose the ideal hair color like a professional stylist! In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn how to interpret hair color charts, select the perfect shade for your skin tone. Whether you’re aiming for a classic red, blonde, brunette, black, or something bold and unusual, this guide will help you find the shade that truly stands out.

HOW HAIR COLOR CHARTS WORK

Hair color charts can vary between brands—L’Oréal, for instance, has a different chart than Madison Reed. However, they generally function in a similar way.

These charts categorize hair colors into four main natural shades, further divided into hair color levels (the number on the box) and hair tones (the letters on the box).

For example, consider a brunette hair dye from L’Oréal. The number 6 indicates a mid-brunette shade on their chart, while the letters A and M signify amber and brown tones, respectively.

THE MAIN HAIR COLORS – BLONDE, RED, BROWN AND BLACK

The primary hair colors on most hair color charts are blonde, auburn, brunette, and black. If you’re interested in vibrant, unconventional shades like bright blue or lime green, you’ll need to seek out specific brands that specialize in those colors.

Here are some brands known for their bold hair dyes:

  • Manic Panic: Offers an extensive range of vibrant colors.
  • Garnier: Features a curated selection of high-quality unnatural shades.
  • Got2B: Known for their unique metallic dyes that stand out.
  • Splat: A great choice if you prefer to avoid bleaching your hair beforehand.

HAIR COLOR LEVELS

Most hair dye brands use a scale from 1 to 10, though some may extend to 11 or 12 for variety. When you examine a hair color scale, you’ll notice a gradual transition from the darkest black shades on one end to the lightest blonde shades on the other, with various brown shades in between. By incorporating different tones, you can explore a vast array of colors, including auburns, cool tones, and greys.

It’s important to note that some brands may label black as 10 and blonde as 1, or vice versa. Therefore, when switching between hair color charts, pay close attention—your old shade’s number may not correspond directly to the new one.

Additionally, it’s advisable to only shift by two shades (lighter or darker) in a single dye session. If you’re aiming for a dramatic change, such as transitioning from dark brown to light ash blonde, multiple dye sessions will be necessary for a safe and effective result. For significant changes like this, visiting a salon is recommended. A professional stylist can help prevent damage and achieve the desired color perfectly.

HAIR TONES

Hair color charts include letters that indicate different tones used to create specific shades. These tones can be categorized into three main groups: neutral, cool, and warm.

NEUTRAL TONES

Neutral shades are straightforward and are typically marked with the letter “N,” indicating they are balanced—not too cool or too warm. You might also see neutral tones represented as:

  • Gold
  • Ash

When gold and ash are mixed in equal parts, they cancel each other out.

WARM TONES

Warm tones add richness and depth to hair. These include:

  • Copper
  • Red
  • Mahogany

COOL TONES

Cool tones tend to lighten and brighten hair, and include:

  • Blue
  • Violet
  • Green

Generally, warm shades enhance the color and depth of your hair, while cool shades help achieve a lighter appearance. As you move toward blonde shades, hair often becomes warmer, which is why many blonde dyes incorporate cool tones to counteract unwanted “brassy” effects.

Next, let’s explore some popular combinations of hair levels and tones for each primary hair color.

RED HAIR COLOR CHART

Red hair colors can range widely, with some shades clearly defined as red—such as garnet, cherry, and scarlet. However, darker reds may blend into the brunette category, while very light auburns can resemble dark golden blonde shades. Here are some of the top shades from the red hair color chart:

PLUM

This photo showcases plum hair taken to the extreme! For a more balanced look, consider incorporating auburn and scarlet shades, resulting in a smooth, shiny plum color that will turn heads. Dark purple hair shades have evolved and are now a stylish choice for everyone, not just goths!

DARK AUBURN

Dark auburn encompasses shades that fall between classic auburn and chestnut brown. It’s a natural and flattering hair color, particularly suited for pale complexions. If you’re looking to experiment with red hair without going for a vibrant hue, dark auburn is an excellent choice!

GARNET

A bit lighter than scarlet yet equally intense, garnet hair colors are big and bold, perfect for making a statement. They stand out without resembling a conventional hair color. Garnet also pairs beautifully with plum, creating a striking and eye-catching combination.

AMARETTO

This amaretto balayage beautifully illustrates how the amaretto hair color combines brunette, cherry, and auburn tones to create a warm and rich hue. If you enjoy espresso, chocolate, and chestnut brunette shades, this is definitely a color to consider!

AUBURN

This ombre auburn hair color style is perfect for fall, showcasing beautiful autumnal shades. If you’re seeking a natural red hair color from the hair color chart, this is an excellent choice. It also pairs nicely with sandy blonde highlights for added dimension.

SCARLET

Scarlet is a vibrant, true red with dark undertones. If you’re seeking a similar shade but with more violet or plum hints, consider garnet, dark auburn, or plum. This hair color also shines beautifully when it catches the light!

GOLDEN

This golden auburn style looks stunning on various complexions. It enhances the warmth in naturally warm skin tones while providing a striking contrast for those with cool skin tones. It’s a versatile choice that flatters many!

APRICOT

Apricot is a softer shade than copper but not as natural as auburn. It pairs beautifully with a blend of blonde tones, as demonstrated in the photo. If you have very dark hair naturally, achieving this color may require several visits to the salon.

COPPER

This picture showcases copper hair colors at their most vibrant, with a brassy finish that can be quite appealing! However, if you prefer a subtler look, you can tone it down by using a brunette dye to neutralize the intensity slightly.

GINGER

This blend of ginger is truly stunning, featuring hints of copper, gold, strawberry, and even a touch of blonde. The key to achieving classic ginger hair is to start with a natural base color and then incorporate these additional shades as highlights for a vibrant, multidimensional effect.

STRAWBERRY

Strawberry hair color can vary significantly from one brand to another. This particular shade leans toward a pastel and more artificial look, while other strawberry dyes may be softer, smoother, and have more auburn undertones. There are plenty of options available for you to explore!

BLONDE HAIR COLOR CHART

You can choose a blonde shade that either complements or modifies your natural skin tone. If you have a warm skin tone (indicated by green veins at your wrist), consider warm shades like caramel, honey, beige, or vanilla. Conversely, if you have a cool skin tone (indicated by blue or pink veins), opt for cool shades such as smokey blonde, silver, ash, or champagne. 

Alternatively, you can experiment with the opposite tones to balance out a skin tone that feels too warm or too cool.

CHAMPAGNE BLONDE

Champagne is usually the warmest among the very pale blonde shades, featuring subtle golden undertones that enhance its silver hue. If you have a warm skin complexion and are considering a very light blonde, this color will be most flattering for you on the hair color chart.

ASH BLONDE

Ash blonde has a cool, ashen tone, as the name suggests. Despite its lightness, it shares many similarities with smoky blonde shades, just appearing lighter overall. This shade works well when paired with silvers and other smoky cool tones, creating a sophisticated look.

SILVER BLONDE

Slightly warmer than ash blonde, silver blonde is a very pale hair color that looks especially stunning when straight and glossy. While it is predominantly a cool shade, it features a hint of warmth that adds depth, as you can see in the photo.

SANDY BLONDE

Inspired by sand, this blonde shade is neutral-warm and pairs beautifully with darker, smoky, and brunette tones to create a dimensional look. It can be styled both tousled and messy, reminiscent of a day at the beach, or smooth and sleek for a polished appearance.

VANILLA BLONDE

Let’s go one shade lighter! Vanilla blonde is incredibly popular right now, and for good reason. This sweet shade features just a hint of warmth, resulting in a soft and inviting blonde hue that’s both fresh and vibrant.

BEIGE BLONDE

This is another beautiful balayage featuring beige blonde tones. Beige is a versatile neutral color that can be adjusted by incorporating honey or ash tones for added depth. It’s a great choice year-round, allowing for changing highlights that can adapt to the seasons.

HONEY BLONDE

This honey blonde hairstyle with babylights is absolutely stunning. The super light shades beautifully reflect light, giving the hair a luminous quality. However, if you have very thin hair, this look can create a slightly translucent effect, so keep that in mind!

GOLDEN BLONDE

Golden blonde is a warm, sun-kissed shade that exudes a vibrant glow. However, it can easily turn brassy without proper care, so it’s essential to follow your stylist’s recommendations for shampoo and conditioner. If you find this shade a bit too dark, consider exploring similar options like honey blonde or sunflower blonde for a lighter alternative.

CARAMEL BLONDE

This stunning caramel blonde balayage features hints of honey along with darker brunette tones underneath. It’s a moderately warm hair color, yet it also incorporates a mix of cooler tones for added depth. Caramel blonde is an excellent choice for those with warm skin tones.

COPPER BLONDE

This is another dark shade of blonde, but here we’re embracing warmth rather than coolness. Copper blonde sits perfectly on the line between ginger and blonde, showcasing beautiful autumnal hues. The combination of gold and copper creates a rich, vibrant look that’s perfect for fall!

SMOKY BLONDE

This brunette transitions into a stunning smoky blonde shade, creating a lovely cool hair tone. It’s ideal for enhancing a pale complexion or balancing out an overly warm one. You can blend it into a brunette like this or explore even paler cool shades of blonde, with ash being a particularly great option.

BROWN HAIR COLOR CHART

Besides black, brown is one of the most accessible hair colors. It typically requires minimal bleaching, making it easy to achieve at home with DIY hair dye kits. Here are some of the top brown hair colors, ranging from light bronde to smoky and espresso shades:

ESPRESSO

Espresso is one of the darkest brown shades available—any darker, and your hair would transition into black with brown highlights. This rich color has depth, so it’s ideal to incorporate different shades for dimension and interest. Adding subtle highlights or lowlights can enhance the overall look and make it truly stand out!

DARK CHOCOLATE

If you’re seeking a darker chocolate brown shade to complement or contrast with your skin, dark chocolate is a fantastic choice. Alternatively, you can use plain chocolate as a base and add dark lowlights of espresso and smoky brown to create depth and richness in your hair color. This combination provides a beautiful, multidimensional effect!

CHOCOLATE

This chocolate hair color radiates warmth, reminiscent of sweet, smooth milk chocolate with honey vanilla highlights. It’s a delightful choice, especially for those with warm skin tones. And don’t worry—dark chocolate also has its place on our list, offering a richer, deeper option for those seeking a bolder look!

GOLDEN BROWN

This photo beautifully illustrates how golden-brown hair colors shimmer with blonde highlights when they catch the sunlight! It’s a stunning shade on the brown hair color chart. However, be mindful that it can become brassy if not cared for properly, so using the right products when washing is essential to maintain its vibrancy.

CINNAMON

Those highlights on those curls showcase a classic cinnamon hair shade! The combination with a simple, muted brown base really allows the warmer tones to stand out. The styling cleverly resembles cinnamon spice sticks, adding a playful and delightful touch to the overall look!

SMOKY BROWN

Brown but with a cool twist! Smoky brown is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a hair color that balances your skin tone. It looks stunning as a solid shade or can be blended with ash highlights and gray tones for added dimension. You might even consider incorporating soft black for a deeper contrast.

CARAMEL

Caramel brown is rich and smooth, with less red undertone than chestnut. Instead, it incorporates hints of neutral golds and beige, resulting in those beautiful caramel hues. The photo above introduces extra red notes, taking the color in a fresh direction and adding warmth and vibrancy.

CHESTNUT

Chestnut is a mid-brown shade infused with rich tones, featuring a healthy dose of red that adds vibrant warmth—just like chestnuts roasting over a fire! This hair color beautifully accentuates the warmth in your skin tone, making it a radiant choice for many.

AMBER BROWN

Amber brown enhances the red tones in the hair, resulting in a beautiful hue that’s too dark to be classified as ginger. It’s an excellent choice for those looking to gradually transition from brunette to auburn, and it’s especially lovely in the fall!

BRONDE

Bronde can either be a solid color that sits between honey blonde and amber brown or a gradient, as shown in this photo. The blend of blonde and brunette shades works harmoniously, offering endless combinations and styles to explore with these versatile colors!

BLACK HAIR COLOR CHART

Black is far from just “black and white”—there are many shades of black hair dye on the color chart! While not everyone may pull them off, these shades are definitely worth exploring. Here are our top 7 favorite black hair colors:

SOFT BLACK

A blend of jet black and espresso brown shades, accented with gentle mini gray highlights, creates the ideal “soft black” hair color. This shade is much less harsh than other black options, offering a more natural appearance. The warmer tones in soft black complement a variety of skin tones, making it a versatile choice for many!

MAROON BLACK

Maroon is a rich blend of brown, cherry, and plum, making it a unique shade that doesn’t easily fit into any single category. It resembles a redder, muddier brown, infused with an intense darkness underneath. This color offers depth and warmth, making it a striking choice for those looking for something distinctive!

BROWN BLACK

Brown-black sits somewhere between espresso and soft black, making it a versatile shade that keeps everyone guessing! It’s softer than harsh black tones, providing a more natural look. This color is perfect for transitioning into warmer months while maintaining depth and richness.

CHERRY BLACK

This photo showcases a light cherry black, where the cherry hue is prominent while the black serves as a subtle base. You can certainly opt for a stronger black shade to enhance this look. It’s a great choice for the fall and winter seasons, offering a rich, warm vibe.

PLUM BLACK

Plum black hair colors contrast with blue-black shades by introducing warmth, making them an excellent choice for warm skin tones. A hint of purple gives rise to the plum black shade. If you’re looking for a redder variation, consider exploring cherry black hair instead!

BLUE BLACK

Blue-black hair colors introduce an artificial blue hue, giving your locks a slightly inky appearance. These shades can vary from very dark blue to pure black, which only reveals a blue tint when exposed to direct sunlight. This color offers a unique and striking look that stands out beautifully!

BLACKEST BLACK

Blackest black can shine brilliantly when styled and glossy, but it should not be mistaken for highlights. This shade is a solid, neutral black color, while other black hues feature tints or softer undertones that complement various skin tones. Blackest black creates a striking contrast, making it a bold choice for those seeking a dramatic look.

MATCHING HAIR COLORS TO YOUR SKIN TONE

If you’re unsure where to start with your hair color, the first step is to identify your skin tone: fair, medium, olive/warm, or deep and rich. Then, decide whether you want your hair color to complement your skin or create a balance. The right choice can brighten or darken your complexion with contrasting shades.

FAIR SKIN HAIR COLOR

For fair skin tones, especially those with warm undertones, ash blonde is a great option. Choose a soft, mellow blonde base with ash highlights to cool it down. If you’re considering red, light and natural auburn shades work well—think of Emma Stone as a reference.

Light ash brown is another good choice for those wanting to transition to brunette, while dark shades like chocolate or espresso can create a harsh contrast, especially for cool skin tones. Instead, opt for light ash brown or smoky brown. A muted or soft black shade will also suit fair complexions best.

MEDIUM SKIN HAIR COLOR

For medium skin tones, light beige blonde feels very natural, giving you a sun-kissed glow. If you prefer more contrast, opt for darker shades rather than lighter ones. Caramel brown works wonderfully, particularly for warm skin tones.

When it comes to red hair, deeper shades like cherry red and scarlet can be fantastic choices. For black hair, go for warmer shades to complement your skin tone, or choose a blue undertone for balance.

OLIVE SKIN HAIR COLOR

For olive complexions, very light blonde shades can often appear too artificial. Instead, consider a honey blonde with highlights for a softer look. Strong natural auburn is also a great option; darker auburn shades will contrast beautifully with your skin tone.

Most brunette shades work well, but a rich coffee brown—somewhere between espresso and chocolate—is particularly flattering. For black hair, dark shades with blue undertones will make your hair pop.

DEEP SKIN HAIR COLOR

For those with deep, rich skin tones, don’t shy away from blonde! Start with the darkest blonde shades or bronde, and consider adding dark ash notes to contrast with warmer skin tones.

An auburn-brown mix is also very flattering. A medium brown shade with autumnal highlights—like soft auburn, gold, and caramel blonde—looks stunning.

Cool dark brown is another excellent choice, especially if you want to balance an overly warm complexion. Opt for dark brown hair with cool undertones, like beige or ash, to achieve this.

Finally, don’t hesitate to go for the darkest black available! Jet black hair colors frame the face beautifully and create the perfect contrast to highlight your features.

CONCLUSION

Choosing the right hair color can significantly enhance your overall appearance. By understanding your skin tone and using a hair color chart, you can select hues that complement your natural beauty. Remember, hair color is a personal expression, so experiment and find what makes you feel confident. Ultimately, the best hair color is the one that makes you feel great about yourself.