Thread: DNA in Gas

I don't want to appear gross, but have a genuine interest in the answer to the following problem:
If 3 people are in a room, and one of them lets out gas, is it possible to:

1) Collect a sample of the gas? If so, how?
2) Test for presence of DNA in the sample? If so, how?
3) Is it possible to collect a large enough sample of the gas to determine which one of the 3 people let out the gas?
If so, how much is required?

Thank you. robert2

Hmmm....

I don't know, but can perhaps add some background: The intestinal tract contains huge numbers of bacteria, viruses and sloughed off cells from the intestinal lining. So, we have one prerequisite, namely a source of genetic material that may be used to uniquely identify an individual. How much and how effectively these materials can be aerosolized is something I can't comment upon. How much microscopic particulate matter there is in an "gas expulsion event" would also be something worth thinking about. A possible, if unlikely, route for disease transmission? If there was DNA available for sampling it would likely be at a very low level and be exceedingly difficult to separate from other airborne sources of DNA that the three people may have shed.

Good question though...

Originally Posted by robert2

I don't want to appear gross,


Thank you. robert2

You managed it, though, and with some style!
However, I do so agree-an absolutely fascinating question.

I would really doubt it if they're wearing clothes. If they're naked, I'm guessing it would depend on the fart .

I wonder if the DNA would be heavier than the surrounding gas. That might lead to the DNA falling more quickly than the rest of the excretion, and separate before capture/collection.