- Mini-preps are standard protocols wherein the DNA of a specimen is extracted and purified for the purposes of isolating one or a number of genes of interest. A number of protocols have been documented and tested for their effectiveness. However, the protocol you want to utilize will depend on the type of specimen.
- The suitabilities of a number of differing protocols depend on the type and number of specimens you are extracting DNA from.
The University of Florida and Cornell University mini-prep protocols--oriented toward DNA extraction from bacterial colonies--differ in the solutions used and either may be more suitable based on access to certain reagents. Alternatively, you may use the automated QIAprep Spin Miniprep kits for DNA purification. However, these make each extraction more expensive.
For Drosophila DNA extraction, the Berkeley BDGP site has a useful protocol for a quick fly genomic DNA prep. - Many mini-prep protocols exist, varying in the solutions and reagents used and in their practicality for differing DNA types. Ensure that you have all the proper ingredients before committing to any of the referenced protocols; you do not want to waste potentially valuable and limited specimens.
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