JCE Software Chemistry Comes Alive!
Precipitating DNA

DNA is precipitated by addition of sodium acetate and ethanol.

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2.2 MB, 32 seconds

File: MOVIES/KJBIOCHEM/DNA.MOV

Voiceover
Sodium acetate is added to a dilute solution of DNA. The sodium ions shield the negative charges on the DNA phosphates. This decreases interstrand repulsion and allows the nucleic acids to aggregate. After cold ethanol is added, the DNA precipitates and the solution becomes cloudy. Some of the DNA is wound on a glass rod and removed from the solution.


Design, Text, and Demonstration:  
  Kristin Johnson University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI 53706
Video production, editing, and voice:  
  Jerrold J. Jacobsen University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI 53706
  Greg Minix University of Wisconsin - Madison, College of Engineering, Madison, WI 53706
  Michael Killips University of Wisconsin - Madison, School of Nursing, Madison, WI 53706