The burton assay for DNA.
1Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California School of Medicine, Davis, California.
Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)
|March 5, 2011
Summary
The Burton assay is a colorimetric method for quantifying DNA by measuring its deoxyribose component. This widely used technique is suitable for crude samples when UV absorbance is not feasible.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Accurate quantification of DNA is essential in molecular biology and biochemistry.
- Traditional methods like UV absorbance require purified samples and are not always practical.
- Colorimetric assays offer an alternative for DNA measurement in complex biological matrices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the Burton assay, a colorimetric method for DNA quantification.
- To highlight the assay's specificity and applicability in various experimental settings.
Main Methods:
- The Burton assay measures the deoxyribose sugar present in DNA.
- It is a colorimetric procedure, indicating results through a color change.
- The method is applicable to relatively crude biological extracts.
Main Results:
- The assay is reasonably specific for deoxyribose.
- High concentrations of ribose (from RNA) or sucrose can interfere with results.
- The method provides a practical alternative to UV absorbance for DNA measurement.
Conclusions:
- The Burton assay is a valuable and widely used tool for DNA quantification.
- Its utility extends to situations where direct UV absorbance measurements are impractical.
- Researchers can rely on this assay for DNA measurement in crude extracts.
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