Question

In the DNA isolation process, ___________________________ is used to break down the protein complexes, and allow the DNA molecules to easily precipitate.

-none of the answer choices are correct
-meat tenderizer
-ethanol
-salt
-sodium chloride

Answer 1

Protease is used in DNA isolation to break down proteins, enabling DNA precipitation. Ethanol is then used to precipitate the DNA, while salt solutions can help further purify it.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the DNA isolation process, protease is used to break down the protein complexes, allowing the DNA molecules to be easily precipitated.

During cell lysis, a detergent solution containing buffering compounds breaks open the cell. To prevent degradation and contamination, enzymatic reactions inactivate macromolecules such as proteins and RNA.

Following this, ethanol is employed to precipitate the DNA, leading to the formation of a gelatinous mass that can be visible and easily extracted for further study. Salt solutions like sodium chloride can also be involved in the process by disrupting proteins through a method called salting out, further aiding in the purification of the DNA.