DNA extraction Flashcards
1
Q
Describe the stages of DNA extraction
A
1) Release the cell contents - Add salt and a small amount of cold water to the plant material and either blend or grind with a pestle and mortar.
2) Strain off the larger plant material and mix the resulting macerate with detergent ( breaks phospholipid bonds)
3) Add protease enzyme to separate the DNA from the histones proteins
4) GENTLY add a very cold layer of ethanol - causes DNA to precipitate out of the solution, seen as white strands.
2
Q
What is the role of ethanol?
A
To remove salts and other impurities
3
Q
What is the role of salt
A
Aids the precipitation of DNA when ethanol is added.
