Extraction of High Molecular Weight DNA from Microbial MatsBenjamin S. Bey 1, Erin B. Fichot 1, R. Sean Norman 1
1Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina
We provide an improved protocol for extracting high molecular weight DNA from hypersaline microbial mats. Microbial cells are separated from the mat matrix prior to DNA extraction and purification. This enhances the concentrations, quality, and size of the DNA. The protocol may be used for other refractory samples.