Hello, I need to extract DNA from leaf and root tissues using the DNeasy Plant Mini Kit (Qiagen). Due to the large number of samples, I have stored both leaves and roots at -20 °C until processing. I plan to lyophilize the root samples after removing them from -20 °C, while the leaves will be weighed and processed fresh. Is it a problem if I thaw the leaves/roots?
Thanks,
Anna
Thawing leaves or roots stored at -20°C is not a problem as long as the thawing is done properly (slowly and under cold conditions) and the samples are processed immediately after thawing.
It is preferable to process the samples directly after thawing or after freeze-drying (lyophilization), as you plan for the roots.
I don think it would be an issue if you want to extract the DNA. Also depends on what further you want to do with that DNA sample.