Phenol/chloroform extraction: Difference between revisions
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*If you're in a hurry, you can shorten the protocol to two phenol extractions and one chloroform extraction. | *If you're in a hurry, you can shorten the protocol to two phenol extractions and one chloroform extraction. | ||
*There are also commercial sources of phenol and chloroform mixed together and equilibrated. These are also sufficient for extraction, and I would recommend doing at least two extractions if you decide to go this route. | *There are also commercial sources of phenol and chloroform mixed together and equilibrated. These are also sufficient for extraction, and I would recommend doing at least two extractions if you decide to go this route. | ||
[[Protocols|Return to Protocols]] | |||
Revision as of 20:07, 15 November 2005
General Information
Phenol/chloroform extraction is an easy way to remove proteins from your nucleic acid samples and can be carried out in a manner that is very close to quantitative. Nucleic acids remain in the aqueous phase and proteins separate into the organic phase or lie at the phase interface.
General Procedure
It is typically easiest to carry the extraction out in 1.7–2 mL eppendorf tubes.
- Dilute your nucleic acid sample to 100–700 µL or divide your samples into tubes such that you have no more than 700 µL per tube. It is difficult to do the extraction with volumes smaller than 100 µL. The sample can be concentrated again after precipitation.
- Add an equal volume of phenol to the tube, vortex vigorously to mix the phases.
- Spin in a microfuge at top speed for 1–2 min to separate the phases.
- Remove the aqueous phase to a new tube, being careful not to transfer any of the protein at the phase interface.
- Repeat the phenol extraction two more times.
- Extract the sample two times with an equal volume of chloroform:isoamyl alcohol to remove any trace phenol.
- Precipitate the nucleic acid. (nucleic acid precipitation)
Reagents
- Phenol equilibrated to pH 7.5
- Chloroform:isoamyl alcohol in a 24:1 ratio (CHIZAM! in Joyce lab lingo)
Notes
- Equilibrated phenol can typically be purchased from commercial sources. Alternatively, you can equilibrate it yourself. Be advised that this is NOT a fun procedure to carry out.
- Phenol and chloroform should be used in a hood if possible.
- Phenol is a dangerous substance that will burn you if it gets on your skin. WEAR GLOVES and BE CAREFUL. Check out the MSDS to verify the precautions you should take.
- If you're in a hurry, you can shorten the protocol to two phenol extractions and one chloroform extraction.
- There are also commercial sources of phenol and chloroform mixed together and equilibrated. These are also sufficient for extraction, and I would recommend doing at least two extractions if you decide to go this route.
