Question

What is the role of NaCl and edta in DNA isolation

Answer 1

NaCl provides Na+ ions that will block negative charge from phosphates on DNA.

Negatively charged phosphates on DNA cause molecules to repel each other. The Na+ ions will form an ionic bond with the negatively charged phosphates on the DNA, neutralizing the negative charges and allowing the DNA molecules to come together

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_the_role_of_NaCl_and_edta_in_DNA_isolation#ixzz1ZehF6MhJ

Answer 2

In the case of EDTA, it acts as a chelating agent capable of neutralizing metal ions such as Mg2+ and Ca2+ which are vital to DNA replication, these metal ions forms the core of enzymatic machinery such as DNA polymerase and other cleavage enzymes such as DNases. Since the objective here is to isolate DNA, neutralizing these ions will allow DNA be in their intact state.

In addition NaCl is also used to denature chromosomal proteins to allow DNA to precipitate.

Answer 3

Btw EDTA stands for Ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid, all one word