Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Cells, Microbes & Viruses => Topic started by: khurrum on 18/10/2009 07:09:55

Title: What is the function of TRIS and MgCl2 in DNA extraction?
Post by: khurrum on 18/10/2009 07:09:55

what is the main role/function of TRIS,Mgcl2in DNA extraction

Title: What is the function of TRIS and MgCl2 in DNA extraction?
Post by: Nizzle on 19/10/2009 05:56:05

TRIS (tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane):
Firstly it's used to get the right pH for DNA extraction, but Tris is preffered over other buffers because Tris interacts with the lipopolysaccharides present on the outer membrane which helps to permeabilize the membrane. This effect is enhanced with the addition of EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid), which is a chelating agent that captures metal ions (like Ca²⁺).

MgCl₂:
When membranes are busted by TRIS, there is no compartmentalization in the solution anymore. MgCl₂ is then used because it binds to DNA and thus protects it against DNase proteins that are now (because of lack of membranes) in direct contact with your DNA.
The binding of MgCl₂ to DNA denies access of DNase to the DNA, and your DNA will not be broken down.