General Steps During Isolation of DNA and RNA

Abstract

The genetic material in any organism passes from one generation to the next generation through the different ways of reproduction. This hereditary material is present either as DNA or RNA inside cells. The biological study of these DNA or RNA molecules for various purposes requires their isolation from their native location to the in vitro conditions. Over the years, scientists have developed different extraction techniques for DNA and RNA from a variety of cells and organisms. Moreover, with the advancement of technologies, these techniques have undergone tremendous sophistication and automation for the quick and economical yield of DNA and RNA. In spite of different methodologies used to isolate nucleic acids from the cells, there are few common steps and general biochemicals which are regularly used in the isolation steps. This chapter provides an overview of all those general steps along with the basic principles behind applying these steps during isolation protocols.