Quantitation of Nucleic Acids with Absorption Spectroscopy

Abstract This appendix describes a protocol for measuring absorption of nucleic acid samples at several different wavelengths to assess purity and concentration. A 260 measurements are quantitative for relatively pure nucleic acid preparations in microgram quantities. Absorbance readings cannot discriminate between DNA and RNA; however, the ratio of A at 260 and 280 nm can be used as an indicator of nucleic acid purity.