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Name: Prudence
Status: Other
Grade:  Other
Location: N/A
Country: United States
Date: November 2005
Question:
During extraction of a DNA, why is it that sodium dodecyl sulphate(SDS) is added to the extraction buffer?


Replies:
SDS is a detergent. It (or a close relative, sodium lauryl sulfate, SLS) is often found in everyday shampoos, etc., where it solubilizes grease and oils. In the DNA preparation, it breaks up the lipids in the membranes, to free the DNA from the cell.

Paul Mahoney, PhD


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