2007-07-24 05:02:08 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
DNA is located inside the nucleus. The nuclear membrane is a bilipid layer. The detergent is used to break up the lipid material and release the DNA.
2007-07-24 10:44:48 · answer #1 · answered by ATP-Man 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Detergent is made to break up grease, fats, oils -- all lipids. You know the commercial says, "Dawn takes grease out of your way."
All the cell's membranes are made of phospholipid bilayers, and the detergent helps break these membranes apart to set the DNA free! The DNA is inside the double membrane of the nucleus as well as the plasma membrane that surrounds the cell. Some detergents work better than others, and I've also had good luck with various shampoos.
Incidentally, we usually use meat tenderizer and hot water to break up the proteins ... same reason.
2007-07-24 21:00:01 · answer #2 · answered by ecolink 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The addition of a detergent such as SDS is often necessary to remove lipid membranes
2007-07-24 12:13:55 · answer #3 · answered by mjb 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋