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Question

Why salt is used in DNA extraction?


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Solution

DNA:

  1. DNA or deoxyribose nucleic acid is an organic acid that contains genetic information for the synthesis of protein.
  2. The key feature of reproduction passes down the information to form genetic heredity.
  3. It is a double-stranded structure that forms a double helix.

DNA extraction:

  1. It is the process of extracting DNA from cells for various purposes.
  2. It is used for forensic tests, paternity tests, producing vaccines, medical tests, etc.
  3. It is a very important and beneficial process in medical sciences.

Use of salt in DNA extraction:

  1. Salt is used in DNA extraction as salt helps in neutralizing DNA molecules.
  2. It makes the DNA molecules less hydrophilic i.e less soluble in water.
  3. Salt also helps in detaching protein molecules from strands of DNA. and makes the extraction process easier.

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