How to "Clean" DNA
(short protocol)


Anytime DNA has to be "cleaned", this means that all of the proteins and salts need to be removed from a solution that contains DNA. To do this, we have to "extract and precipitate" the DNA.

  1. If the volume of the DNA is less than 200 µl, bring the volume up to 200 µl with sterile dH2O.
  2. Add 1/10 th volume of 3M sodium acetate to the DNA solution and mix.
  3. Add 2 volumes of -20° C 100% ethanol (EtOH) and vortex for 10 seconds. Put the tube in a -20° C freezer overnight or a -70° C freezer for 30 minutes.
  4. Spin in a microfuge for 10 minutes. Pour out the EtOH but save the pellet!!
  5. Wash the pellet with 500 µl of 4° C 70% EtOH, gently roll the tube, then dump the EtOH, and speedvac the pellet. SAVE THE PELLET!
  6. Resuspend DNA in appropriate volume of TE or water.


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