Different Methods for DNA Purification

DNA purification is among the most commonly used and crucial processes in molecular science. The goal of DNA purification is to distinguish the desired genetic material, chromosomal materials from contaminants (proteins, RNA and cell membrane). This is a crucial process in nearly every molecular process and must be carried out correctly in order to produce high-quality usable DNA.

There are a number of different methods available for DNA purification, the choice of which depends on several factors, such as the source materials and downstream applications, as well as cost and time limitations. Common genomic and plasmid DNA purification protocols include chemical treatment, enzymatic digestion or mechanical disintegration of samples of cells or tissues followed by salting-out of proteins and the precipitation of DNA with alcohol.

Ethanol precipitation can be described as a simple cost-effective and quick method for desalting and concentration of DNA. DNA molecules form aggregates in the presence of monovalent cations like sodium and are then precipitated out of solution using https://www.mpsciences.com high levels of ethanol. This method permits the removal of organic compounds and other impurities from a sample and is often employed in conjunction with other purification techniques.

Another method used for DNA purification is anion exchange chromatography. The interaction between negatively charged DNA phosphate backbones and positively charged surface molecules of resins bonds DNA in a solvent to positively-charged resins. During the binding and washing steps the contaminating molecules are removed from the DNA via rigorous washing steps, and the purified DNA is eluted in low salt conditions.