RAPID PURIFICATION OF DNA FROM SOIL FOR MOLECULAR BIODIVERSITY ANALYSIS

A rapid DNA extraction method utilizing a bead-beating machine is desc ribed. High molecular weight DNA could be extracted from up to 24 samp les in less than 2 h. The DNA was suitable for direct use in the polym erase chain reaction (PCR). Both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells were successfully lysed by the method, established using primers specific for these groups. The small subunits ribosomal RNA (rRNA) spacer regio n from both eukaryotes and eubacteria could be readily amplified with DNA from different soils generating different amplification patterns.