I have 2 protocols for PCR sample purification. One uses Sodium for salt and other is using Potassium for salt. What is the reason for using different chemicals for salt in purification protocols. Which one should I use?
Sodium and potassium both have similar chemical properties however potassium is a larger ion so cannot fit into some binding sites that sodium can.
Hi Umut Karatekin,
Both sodium and potassium are monovalent cations capable of binding to negatively charged nucleic acids . I believe both protocols will be effective because both salt shares similar properties in DNA isolation.
Best regards
The principle behind both of them is the same; however, Potassium is more prone to induce precipitations than Sodium, which may be problematic for some analytical techniques. If these consideration do not affect your analysis, you may use Sodium salt for easier handling.
- Badges
- Science topic