Professor Brian Cox isolates his DNA in experiment

Professor Brian Cox conducts an experiment to isolate his DNA using just a test tube, his own saliva, washing up liquid, salt and vodka.

He shows how the molecules of DNA are left as a residue in the test tube after the experiment.

The physicist investigates whether the emergence of life was an inevitable consequence of the physical laws that govern the universe in Wonders of Life, which starts on Sunday 27 January at 21:00 GMT on BBC Two. Or catch up later on BBC iPlayer.