Common DNA extraction steps: (1) samples are first homogenized using a sterile scalpel and later on go through a step, in which either (2a) extracellular DNA is washed off the sedimentary matrix (Taberlet et al. 2012) and/or (2b) intracellular DNA is freed through lysis, which can include beating with garnet beads. The free DNA suspended in a high salt buffer can now bind to either (3a) a silica column or (3b) silica magnetic beads, (4) samples are washed with an ethanol based buffer to remove impurities, and finally (5) DNA is eluted in an elution buffer. Figure based on Rohland et al. (2018).