DNA purification is among the most frequently used and vital processes in molecular science. Purification of DNA aims at separation of the desired genetic material (chromosomal material) from other contaminants like proteins as well as RNA and cell membrane. This is a critical step in almost every molecular application and must be executed correctly to get high quality usable DNA.
There are a number of various methods for DNA purification, the choice of which depends on several factors, including starting materials and downstream applications, as well as cost and time constraints. Common genomic and plasmid DNA purification procedures include chemical treatment, enzymatic digestion, or mechanical destruction of cell samples or tissue followed by salting-out the proteins and precipitation of https://mpsciences.com/2021/04/23/dna-purification-processes-for-different-applications/ the DNA with ethanol.
Ethanol precipitation is a straightforward, inexpensive and quick method of desalting and concentrating DNA. DNA molecules clump together in the presence of monovalent cations like sodium, and are then removed from solution using high concentrations ethanol. This method is employed to remove salts, organic compounds and other impurities. It is commonly utilized in conjunction with other purification methods.
Anion exchange chromatography is another popular method for DNA purification. DNA in a solution gets bound to positively charged resins through the interaction between the negatively charged DNA phosphate backbone and the positively charged surface molecules of the resin. During the binding and washing processes the contaminating molecules are removed from DNA through rigorous washing steps, and the purified DNA is eluted in low salt conditions.