A rapid and inexpensive method for the direct PCR amplification of DNA from plants

Abstract

PREMISE OF THE STUDY: We present a rapid and inexpensive alternative to DNA isolation for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification from plants. • METHODS AND RESULTS: The method involves direct PCR amplification from material macerated in one buffer, followed by dilution and incubation in a second buffer. We describe the procedure and demonstrate its application for nuclear and plastid DNA amplification across a broad range of vascular plants. • CONCLUSIONS: The method is fast, easy to perform, cost-effective, and consequently ideal for large sample numbers. It represents a considerable simplification of present approaches requiring DNA isolation prior to PCR amplification and will be useful in plant systematics and biotechnology, including applications such as DNA barcoding.