Present chromatographic methods of fractionating DNA

Abstract

Ion-exchange resins and inorganic gels have only limited application in the fractionation of DNA. Although DEAE-cellulose has been used extensively, ECTEO-LA-cellulose has promise in the fractionation of DNA. Carboxymethylcellulose or nitrocellulose have limited capabilities as regards DNA fractionation. Gel filtration techniques employing agar gels, DEAE-Sephadex and DEAE-dextran are of more value in the fractionation of s-RNA and polynucleotides than for highly polymerised DNA. Amongst the kieselguhr columns, the methylated serum albumin—kieselguhr column found wide applicability and gives reproducible profiles. An Amberlite IR-120 Al³⁺ column also gives interesting results with various potential applications. Alternate methods effecting finer resolution are still a pressing need.