Phenol-chloroform extraction

Phenol-chloroform extraction is a laboratory method used to separate DNA from other cellular components. The process involves mixing a cell sample with a solution containing phenol and chloroform, which causes proteins and lipids to break apart and move into the organic phase (the liquid layer containing phenol and chloroform). The DNA, being water-soluble, remains in the aqueous phase (the top layer). After blending and centrifugation, the layers are separated, allowing scientists to isolate relatively pure DNA for further analysis or experiments.