Question

What is the role of detergent in isolation of DNA?​

Answer 1

Answer:

The detergent dissolves the fatty molecules that hold the cell membranes together, which releases the DNA into the solution. The detergent, combined with the heat treatment used in step 5, causes lipids (fatty molecules) and proteins to precipitate out of the solution, leaving the DNA.

Answer 2

During the isolation of DNA, the detergent will break down the cell membrane of the lipids and the proteins found in the cell and dissolve them.

• This will break down the bonds that hold the cells together, and make them easier to dissolve.
• The detergent will not react and form complex bonds with the lipids and the proteins of the cell and move them away from the solution.
• After the lipids and the proteins move away the DNA only remains in the solution.