Yes, your saliva contains DNA. Saliva is not purely DNA, but it contains a significant amount of human DNA, making it a viable source for genetic analysis.
Why Saliva Contains DNA
Saliva isn't just water; it's a complex fluid containing various cells, including epithelial cells from the mouth and white blood cells. These cells hold your DNA.
- Source of DNA: Studies show that a substantial portion of the DNA in saliva originates from white blood cells (up to 74%, according to this source).
- DNA Quality and Quantity: The DNA extracted from saliva yields virtually the same amount and quality as that from blood (this source and this source). This makes saliva a convenient and reliable alternative to blood for many DNA testing applications.
- Practical Applications: DNA extraction from saliva is used in various fields, including ancestry testing (this source), forensic science, and medical diagnostics (this source). Companies and labs use specialized kits and methods to extract and analyze the DNA from saliva samples (this source).
Saliva as a DNA Source: Convenience and Accuracy
Saliva offers several advantages over blood as a DNA source:
- Non-invasive Collection: Collecting a saliva sample is less invasive and more comfortable than blood collection.
- Ease of Handling and Storage: Saliva samples are generally easier to handle and transport than blood samples. However, proper storage is crucial to maintain DNA quality (this source).
