Elsevier

Analytical Biochemistry

Volume 102, Issue 2, 1 March 1980, Pages 344-352
Analytical Biochemistry

A simple, rapid, and sensitive DNA assay procedure

https://doi.org/10.1016/0003-2697(80)90165-7Get rights and content

Abstract

A simple and rapid assay for quantitative determinations of DNA in crude homogenates is described. The method is based on the enhancement of fluorescence seen when bisbenzimidazole (Hoechst 33258) binds to DNA. Crude homogenates in which chromatin has been dissociated with high salt buffer can be assayed directly and reliably in a few minutes. The dissociation of chromatin is critical to accurate determinations of DNA in biological materials using this method. The assay can detect as little as 10 ng of DNA with rather unsophisticated instrumentation.

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