Protocol describes a method for DNA fragmentation by nebulization, in which the fine mist created by forcing a DNA solution through a small hole in the nebulizer unit is collected. The size of the fragments obtained by nebulization is determined chiefly by the speed at which the DNA solution passes through the hole, altering the pressure of the gas blowing through the nebulizer, the viscosity of the solution, and the temperature. - [Read Fragmentation of DNA by Nebulization Protocol]
In this protocol, bacterial cells are lysed by being subjected to short, intense treatments with ultrasound, which breaks the cell walls and shears the DNA into sizes that will not affect the viscosity of the samples. Note that this method causes some denaturation of the samples. The resulting lysate is ready for preclearing. - [Read Immunoprecipitation: Lysing Bacteria by Sonication Protocol]