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Here are five simple DIY biological experiments. You can have fun at home without expensive laboratory equipment.

Biology is fascinating, but not everyone can use the most advanced laboratory equipment to conduct biological experiments. However, some simple experiments can be carried out at home with the right materials. These DIY biological experiments are suitable for people of all ages and knowledge levels. The main goal is to enjoy the fun of science and generate curiosity.

For safety reasons, this list does not include genetic engineering experiments; in many countries, you are not allowed to perform in uncertified facilities. However, if you are very keen, some people have been able to pass certification to produce genetically modified microorganisms.

DNA can be easily extracted by using daily kitchen supplies at home. You can extract your own DNA from saliva, or you can use any fruit or vegetable you can find at home-bananas and strawberries are some of the most popular at science fairs.

Follow the steps here to extract DNA. At the end of this process, you should get a white, cloudy substance that can be picked up with a toothpick. Then you can observe it under a microscope, or try some methylene blue, a dye commonly used in biological laboratories, which can bind to DNA and make it blue-please be careful when using it outside the laboratory. If you dry the DNA and store it in a paper bag or envelope, you will be able to use it in future experiments.

The extracted DNA can also be analyzed at home, although this step may be more expensive. Electrophoresis equipment is a technology that separates DNA molecules based on their size and costs about 300 Euros. It can also be built in the home for some devotion. If you want to take it a step further, you can buy a pocket-sized DNA sequencer for about 1,000 euros — a portable sequencing device that scientists often use when they go to remote areas and cannot enter the laboratory.

Bacteria, yeast and other microorganisms are all around us. You can easily prepare the culture medium at home, and then collect samples from different places to understand the organisms there.

In this video, you can find a step-by-step tutorial on how to make agar plates in the kitchen. Once some microorganisms are allowed to grow on the plate, you can test how different conditions affect their growth or test the effect of antibiotics on different microorganisms. (If you have a DNA sequencer, you can use it to find out the species growing on your petri dish.)

For creative souls, you can also use the different colors and textures of the different microorganisms you can find to make petri dish art. Every year, the American Society for Microbiology holds a global agar art competition where you can submit your best work.

Fermentation is one of the things that bacteria and yeast do best. Since ancient times, we have been using these microorganisms to make food, and it is very easy to ferment our own food at home.

There are many choices, from drinks such as kombucha, kefir or mead to yogurt, cheese, kimchi and sauerkraut. In most cases, all you need is a starter culture of bacteria or fungi that ferment food. You can get it from someone who has fermented at home, or you can buy it online.

Every fermented food has different requirements, so make sure you have everything you need before you start. You can follow a large number of online tutorials, and once you are satisfied with these techniques, you can start to use different conditions and starting materials to change the taste and texture of the food.

Nowadays, you can easily find cheap digital microscopes with high magnification that can be directly connected to your laptop or smartphone. You can carry a digital microscope with you to observe every little thing you find at home or outdoors. (Hint: You will find many interesting life forms in ponds or any other untreated water source.)  

A great experiment done with a microscope at home is to observe how cells divide in different organisms. The simplest one is baker's yeast. With a magnification of at least 400 times, you can begin to discern the shape of a single yeast cell in the water. You will notice that some of them have small buds, which is how they grow and divide.

The cell located at the root tip of onion is also a good research object. Whether you prepare and stain yourself, or buy pre-made microscope slides, these cells are perfect for observing the different stages of mitosis and how DNA replicates and rearranges during cell division.

Some microorganisms can produce light by themselves. When enough of them gather together, they can make the entire beach glow at night. Fortunately, we live in the Internet age, and these microorganisms can be ordered online and delivered directly to our homes. (For example, from a store such as Carolina or Sea Farms.)

Bioluminescent organisms can last for months under appropriate conditions, including ensuring that they receive enough light during the day to recharge their luminous power. At night, when you shake them, they will start to glow.

You can try to cultivate these creatures under different conditions and exert their luminous ability. Another cool idea is to introduce them into a closed fountain, where they will continue to shake and glow (at least until they run out of energy). 

These biological experiments will help you open up the world of DIY biology. If you are keen to study biology in depth outside the laboratory, the DIY biology community is growing rapidly around the world. You can find laboratories and other biology enthusiasts in many cities in Europe and the United States, where you will be able to attend seminars, use more advanced equipment, and meet people from all backgrounds who are keen to help you complete the most Crazy biology project. have fun! 

Cover illustration for Elena Resko. The picture comes from Shutterstock and Creative Commons.

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