Compositions and Methods for Nucleic Acid Extraction from Biological Samples

Abstract

Methods and compositions for extracting nucleic acids from a biological sample are provided. The extraction compositions contain a protease enzyme such as proteinase K at alkaline pH with little or no surfactant present. Extraction can be efficiently performed in 60 minutes or less at room temperature for certain mammalian tissue samples and at elevated temperatures for certain plant tissues.

1 . A method for extracting nucleic acids from a tissue sample, the method comprising incubating the sample in an extraction composition which is buffered to a pH of 7.5 or greater, wherein the extraction composition comprises a protease enzyme and does not contain a surface active agent and wherein the incubating is for sufficient time to release the nucleic acid but not more than about 60 minutes.  
     
     
         2 . The method in accordance with  claim 1  wherein the biological sample comprises a mammalian tissue sample.  
     
     
         3 . The method in accordance with  claim 2  wherein the mammalian tissue sample comprises a mouse tail tissue or a mouse ear tissue.  
     
     
         4 . The method in accordance with  claim 2  wherein the incubating is at room temperature.