DNA purification from multiple sources in plant research with homemade silica resins

DNA purification is a routine procedure in most plant laboratories. Although different kits are available in the market allowing convenient DNA purification, the cumulative cost of purchasing multiple kits for a laboratory can be staggering. Here, we describe a protocol using homemade silicon dioxide matrix for DNA purification from Escherichia coli and Agrobacterium tumefaciens cells, PCR and restriction digestion mixtures, agarose gel slices and plant tissues. Compared with the commercial kits, this protocol enables easy DNA purification from diverse sources with comparable yield and purity at negligible expenses.