Preparing Cellular DNA from Nuclei or Whole Cells

It is often desirable to have cellular DNA on hand. DNA is stable and can be maintained intact for many years. This protocol describes the preparation of DNA from nuclei after the cytoplasmic extract has been removed. The resulting DNA is suitable for polymerase chain reactions and Southern blots to determine copy number and sites of integration of plasmids in stable cell lines. Quantitation of DNA may not be exact because RNA is not completely removed. The method can also be used on whole cells, but there will be more RNA contamination.