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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Charleston, South Carolina » Vegetable Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #103263
Title: AN IMPROVED PROCEDURE FOR ISOLATION OF HIGH QUALITY DNA FROM WATERMELON ANDMELON LEAVES

Author
item Levi, Amnon
item Thomas, Claude

Submitted to: Cucurbit Genetics Cooperative Report
Publication Type: Research Notes
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/28/1999
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: Levi, A., Thomas, C.E. 1999. An improved procedure for isolation of high quality DNA from watermelon andmelon leaves. Cucurbit Genetics Cooperative Report. 22:41-42.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: It is difficult to isolate highly pure DNA from watermelon and melon leaves using procedures commonly used with various plant species. In the present procedure the DNA extraction buffer contains high concentrations of the cationic detergents cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) (2.5%) and sarkosyl (0.5%). This modification enhanced the breakage of cell and nuclear membranes resulting in increased release of DNA into the extraction buffer. It also enhanced the removal of polysaccharides, and prevented interaction of polyphenols and endogenous nucleases with DNA, resulting in high quality as well as high yields of DNA. The procedure presented here has been successfully used for isolation of DNA from a large number of watermelon varieties and plant introduction (PIs) and can be useful in other cucurbit species.