Skip to Content
Merck
HomeApplicationsGenomicsDNA & RNA Purification

DNA & RNA Purification

Structure of DNA – various methods are used for DNA purification

Extraction of DNA and RNA is a basic method used in molecular biology. The need for high-quality, highly pure nucleic acid is important for a wide range of research and clinical applications. Nucleic acid purification is an initial step in many molecular biology and genomic workflows.



Featured Categories

GenElute™-E Single Spin DNA purification kit for genomic DNA
gDNA Purification

High yield, high quality DNA extraction and purification kits tailored to a variety of common and challenging sample types including cell culture, mammalian tissue, blood, viruses, bacteria, plant tissue, soil, water, urine, stool, PCR reactions, and agarose gel extractions.

Shop Products
A medical supply kit labeled "SupraAlvita Sterile Syringe 0.5ml U-100 Insulin" with several syringes and ampoules scattered in front. The syringes and ampoules are clear plastic with white plungers.
RNA Purification

Rapid, reliable total RNA and mRNA purification from a variety of samples including cells, tissues, viruses, plants, serum, and plasma.

Shop Products
Circular plasmid DNA strand, showcasing the double helix structure with alternating colors representing the base pairs.
Plasmid DNA Purification

Simplify plasmid DNA purification with kits in multiple sizes. Ideal for cloning and protein expression needs.

Shop Products
Extreme close-up of detergent bubbles in different sizes
Detergents - Anionic, Cationic, Zwitterionic, Anti-foaming

Discover versatile biological detergents, surfactants for lysis, electrophoresis, WB, transfection, research applications. REACH-compliant options available.

Shop Products

DNA and RNA samples are often obtained from crude preparations. Genomic DNA, plasmid DNA, and total RNA can be extracted and purified from a variety of sources including bacterial and mammalian cells, plant tissue, fungal tissue, mammalian tissue, blood, plasma, serum, viruses, buccal and nasal swabs, gel matrices, PCRs, and other enzymatic reactions. Isolation of nucleic acid from these samples often involves the lysis of cell membranes or sample homogenization, followed by the removal of proteins, enzymes, detergents, salts, and lipids.

Common approaches include:

  • Alkaline extraction
  • Phenol-chloroform extraction
  • Cesium chloride (CsCl) density gradient centrifugation
  • Oligo(dT)-cellulose chromatography
  • Silica matrice
  • Glass beads
  • Diatomaceous earth
  • Anion exchange chromatography
  • Size exclusion chromatography

The final application will dictate the best method for purification. Downstream applications include PCR, qPCR, restriction digests, ligation, cloning, genotyping, gene expression analysis, next generation sequencing (NGS), and Northern and Southern blotting.

Document Search
Looking for More Specific Information?

Visit our document search for data sheets, certificates and technical documentation.

Find Documents

Sign In To Continue

To continue reading please sign in or create an account.

Don't Have An Account?