RAPID NONENZYMATIC DNA DEPROTEINIZATION IN AGAROSE MINIPLUGS

Mini agarose plugs, containing immobilized cells, were lysed and depro teinized in 3-6 h by a non-enzymatic procedure, using 4 M urea and det ergents. The performance of Saccharomyces cerevisiae miniCHEF DNA patt ern was not affected by the treatment. DNA contained in the miniplugs was completely digested by restriction endonucleases in 1-2 h. This pr ocedure saves time in comparison to the 40 h of incubation with urea u sed in the original procedure. It also saves reagents and permits a ra pid DNA digestion without using PMSF.