GEL PURIFICATION OF RED ALGAL GENOMIC DNA: AN INEXPENSIVE AND RAPID METHOD FOR THE ISOLATION OF POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION‐FRIENDLY DNA¹

Abstract

ABSTRACT A simplified approach for the extraction of DNA from red algae in presented. Procedures are simple and fast, requiring a minimum of reagents and apparatus. The method involves an initial lysis step followed by an optional phenol/chloroform extraction. The final gel‐purification step removes polymerase chain reaction‐inhibiting polysaccharides from the DNA preparation. DNA is extracted as easily from dried algae as it is from snap‐frozen, fresh material, thus greatly facilitating the collection and transport of algal samples.