DNA is isolated from a clinical sample. The absorbance at 260 nm is 0.489, and the absorbance at 280 nm is 0.257. Is this sample of sufficient quality for use in subsequent analyses?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A ratio of absorbance at 260 nm to 280 nm of ~1.8 is indicative of pure nucleic acid samples, with values below or above indicating possible contamination. In this case, the ratio is 0.489/0.257 = 1.91, which suggests that the DNA sample is of good quality and free of significant contaminants. Therefore, this sample is of sufficient quality for use in subsequent analyses.

DNA Is Isolated from a Clinical Sample