Nucleic acids removal from cell homogenate

B. Removal of Nucleic Acids from Cell Homogenate Using Aqueous Two-Phase Extraction... 

The tissue or cell sample is firstly homogenized in a buffer containing a detergent such as Triton X-100 and sodium deodecyl sulphate (SDS), which disrupts the cell and dissociates DNA-protein complexes. Protein and RNA are then removed by sequential incubations with a proteolytic enzyme (usually proteinase K) and ribonuclease. Finally the DNA is extracted into ethanol. Ethanol only precipitates long chain nucleic acids and so leaves the single nucleotides from RNA digestion in the aqueous layer. 

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