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A Rapid and Efficient Method for Isolating High Quality DNA from Leaves of Carnivorous Plants from the Drosera Genus

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Abstract

Drosera rotundifolia, Drosera capensis, and Drosera regia are carnivorous plants of the sundew family, characterized by the presence of stalked and sticky glands on the upper leaf surface, to attract, trap, and digest insects. These plants contain exceptionally high amounts of polysaccharides, polyphenols, and other secondary metabolites that interfere with DNA isolation and subsequent enzymatic reactions such as PCR amplification. We present here a protocol for quick isolation of Drosera DNA with high yield and a high level of purity, by combining a borate extraction buffer with a commercial DNA extraction kit, and a proteinase K treatment during extraction. The yield of genomic DNA is from 13.36 μg/g of fresh weight to 35.29 μg/g depending of the species of Drosera, with a A 260/A 280 ratio of 1.43–1.92. Moreover, the procedure is quick and can be completed in 2.5 h.

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Abbreviations

EGTA:

Ethylene glycol bis(beta-aminoethylether)-N–N′-tetraacetic acid

SDS:

Sodium dodecyl sulfate

PVP:

Polyvinylpyrrolidone

DTT:

Dithiothreitol

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Acknowledgments

This study was a part of the Bioprolor project financed by Conseil Regional de Lorraine.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. UMR 1121 Nancy-Université (INPL)—INRA Agronomie et Environnement Nancy-Colmar, 2 Avenue Forêt de Haye—BP 172, 54505, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France

    Flore Biteau, Alain Hehn & Frédéric Bourgaud

  2. Plant Advanced Technologies SA, 13, Rue du bois de la Champelle, 54500, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France

    Estelle Nisse, Sissi Miguel & Paul Hannewald

Authors
  1. Flore Biteau
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  2. Estelle Nisse
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  3. Alain Hehn
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  4. Sissi Miguel
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  5. Paul Hannewald
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  6. Frédéric Bourgaud
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Correspondence to Flore Biteau.

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Biteau, F., Nisse, E., Hehn, A. et al. A Rapid and Efficient Method for Isolating High Quality DNA from Leaves of Carnivorous Plants from the Drosera Genus. Mol Biotechnol 51, 247–253 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12033-011-9462-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12033-011-9462-y

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