Introduction

• DNA extraction is an important process that has played a part in just about every recent discovery involving genetics and disease. With DNA extraction, scientists can diagnose genetic disorders and diseases, discover new cells and viruses, and can even develop vaccines and cures for diseases that plague human, plant and animal life.
  
  

The Cell

• DNA extraction starts with the cell or virus that needs to be studied. First, the cell is broken open. To do this, the cell is placed in a bead beating tube. Sodium acetate salt is applied to the cell to keep the proteins from degrading during the process. The detergent sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) is then applied to the cell to help remove the lipid membranes. It is then placed in phenol-chloroform for vortexing, to break down the proteinacious cellular walls.
  
  

Seperation

• Once the cell has been broken open, it is placed in a centrifuge. Here the matter of the cell will separate into two parts. Between these two parts will be the DNA mixed with the sodium acetate; everything except for the DNA and salt mixture is extracted from the sample. Cold ethanol is then applied to the DNA, which dissolves the salt and isolates the extracted DNA.