Optimization of DNA isolation methods from seeds of onion, pepper, soya and kale

BSc student:  Emina Ucembarlic

Mentor: Prof. Dr. Ahmet Yildirim

High quality and quantity of DNA is the requirement for the range of molecular biology experiments. Therefore, DNA isolation is one of the most important steps for subsequent downstream processes, analytical, or preparative purposes. To isolate DNA from seeds is very challenging because they contain polysaccharides, polyphenols, mucilage, oils, etc. that very often interfere with DNA causing erroneous. In this study, we tested and modified three standard protocols in order to get one that will work for isolation of high quality and quantity of DNA from all four plant species. To execute this we use three different protocols and their modified versions for DNA isolation, followed by spectrophotometry and gel electrophoresis for quantification and quality analysis. Optimization of standard protocols provided extraction of DNA from seeds with quality and quantity better than in the previous protocols. The same protocol will probably be useful for isolation of DNA from other plant seeds that contain large amounts of secondary metabolites and essential oils.