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Genetics & Biotechnology vocabulary · PCR and Laboratory Methods

DNA extraction

Meaning in genetics & biotechnology, with examples

nounCore term

In genetics & biotechnology, DNA extraction means: The process of separating and purifying DNA from cells or tissue, such as blood, saliva or plant leaves, so that it can be used for PCR or sequencing.

In Turkish: DNA izolasyonu, DNA ekstraksiyonu

How it is used

A daily lab task. Typical steps are lysis, binding, washing and elution, often with spin columns or magnetic beads from a commercial kit. Afterwards, people check DNA quantity and purity; an A260/280 ratio of about 1.8 suggests clean DNA. 'DNA isolation' means the same thing.

Example sentences

  1. DNA extraction from old bone samples is slow and needs a clean room.

  2. We used a column-based kit for DNA extraction from whole blood.

Common collocations

  • DNA extraction kit
  • perform DNA extraction
  • DNA extraction protocol
  • automated DNA extraction
  • DNADeoxyribonucleic acid: the long, double-stranded molecule that stores the genetic instructions of almost all living things, written in four chemical bases: A, T, G and C.
  • PCRPolymerase chain reaction: a lab method that makes millions of copies of a chosen DNA region by repeating cycles of heating and cooling with primers and a DNA polymerase.
  • pipetteA lab tool for measuring and moving small, exact volumes of liquid. In molecular biology it usually means an adjustable micropipette used with disposable tips.
  • spin downTo centrifuge tubes for a few seconds so that all the liquid, including drops on the walls or lid, collects at the bottom.

More terms: PCR and Laboratory Methods

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