Question

The Lifton Buffer contains sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), a chemical which is also sometimes called lauryl dodecyl sulfate (LDS) or sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). The next time you are washing your hair look at the ingredients on your bottle of shampoo. You will almost certainly find this chemical listed as one of the ingredients. What purpose does this ingredient serve in your shampoo and what function does it serve in a buffer that is used to extract DNA?

Answer 1

Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), also known as sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), serves as a surfactant in shampoo, helping to remove oil and grease from the hair. In a buffer used for DNA extraction, SLS denatures proteins and masks their charges for separation during gel electrophoresis.

Step-by-step explanation:

Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) or sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) is a chemical commonly found in shampoo and toothpaste. In shampoo, SLS acts as a surfactant, which helps to trap oil and grease in the hair, making it easier to remove. In a buffer used for DNA extraction, SLS is added to denature proteins and mask their charges, allowing them to migrate and separate during gel electrophoresis.