Nucleic Acid Isolation and Purification

These flashcards cover key concepts in nucleic acid isolation and purification, including methods, properties, and challenges related to DNA and RNA.

Nucleic acids

Biomolecules, including DNA and RNA, that are essential for all forms of life.

Genomic DNA

The complete set of genetic information in an organism's cells.

Plasmid DNA

Small, circular pieces of DNA that replicate independently of the chromosomal DNA in bacteria.

RNAse

An enzyme that degrades RNA molecules, posing a challenge during RNA isolation.

Alkaline lysis

A method used to purify plasmid DNA by denaturing genomic DNA and preserving plasmids.

Phenol extraction

A technique used to separate proteins from nucleic acids by taking advantage of their solubility differences.

Ethanol precipitation

A method used to recover nucleic acids by adding ethanol to a solution, which causes DNA to aggregate and precipitate.

aDNA

Ancient DNA that can provide insights into molecular evolution and species history.

RNase protection

A method to prevent the degradation of RNA by RNases during isolation.

Monophasic lysis

A method for lysing cells that uses a single solution to solubilize cellular components.

Molecular weight cutoff (MWCO)

The specific size at which molecules can pass through a filter, used to concentrate larger biomolecules.

DEPC

Diethyl pyrocarbonate, used to inactivate RNases in RNA work.

Hydrophobicity

The property of a molecule that causes it to repel water; important in biomolecule separation.

Centrifugation

A technique that uses centrifugal force to separate components in a solution based on density.

Recombinant DNA

DNA that has been artificially created by combining DNA from different sources.