Genomic DNA Extraction from Plant Tissues on the Bead Ruptor Elite

Genetically Modified crops (GM crops) are food products such as fruits and vegetables that have had specific changes introduced into their DNA. The DNA changes are designed to impart new traits into the crops such as resistance to pathogens, delayed ripening or in the case of hybrid soybeans produced by Pioneer Hi-Bred International, higher levels of oleic acid. Production of GM crops is a multistage process that ultimately involves integration of the target gene into the recipients’ genome. However, uptake and integration of the gene into the recipients genome does not always guarantee that the gene will be expressed. Furthermore, it must be confirmed that the target gene is transferred at an acceptable level to progeny.

In order to confirm gene expression, genomic material (DNA/RNA) must first be extracted from the target sample. Bead mill homogenizers are one of the newest technologies for the disruption of tough plant material and are routinely used when multiple samples must be processed or when the target sample is particularly robust such as seeds and tough plant material. The Omni Bead Ruptor Elite™ bead mill homogenizer is capable of homogenizing samples in volumes of 0.5 mL to 50 mL through rapid oscillation of a tube containing dense bead media. The bead media is projected through the tube with sufficient energy to impact and dissociate the sample. Herein, we demonstrate DNA extraction from two common consumer crops, spinach and okra using the Omni Bead Ruptor Elite bead mill homogenizer. The extraction efficiency and analyte integrity were evaluated.

Table 1. Starting sample quantity and DNA yields as determined by spectrophotometry