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AAT Bioquest

What factors should I consider when choosing a DNA extraction method?

Posted April 19, 2024


Answer

These are the main factors to consider when choosing an appropriate DNA extraction method:

  • Sample type: The most important factor you’ll need to consider when choosing a DNA extraction method is the type of sample being used. Are you extracting DNA from bacterial cells, animal tissue, blood samples, saliva, soil, plants, or feces? Each sample type requires a different method for most efficient DNA extraction.
  • Plasmid DNA vs. genomic DNA: Different protocols exist for isolating plasmid DNA versus genomic DNA. The main differences between the two lie mainly in the lysis processes and some buffer formulations.
  • Downstream applications: The DNA extracted must meet the downstream application requirements in terms of purity and quality. Make sure to choose a DNA extraction method that will give you the purity and quality of DNA for your downstream application. 
  • Yield: The DNA yield required for your downstream application is another factor to consider. The DNA extraction method you choose should meet the yield expectations for your purpose. 
Additional resources

The choice of the DNA extraction method may influence the outcome of the soil microbial community structure analysis

Overview of DNA Extraction Methods

DNA and RNA Quantitation

Cell Lysis, Dialysis & Desalting Reagents

Buffer Preparations and Recipes

ReadiUse™ mammalian cell lysis buffer *5X*