An inexpensive and high-throughput procedure to extract and purify total genomic DNA for population studies

We describe here a procedure for the purification of high molecular weight genomic DNA that combines the economies of ‘do-it-yourself’, single-tube protocols with the sample throughput and DNA quality of microplate-based DNA extraction and purification kits from commercial suppliers. The procedure allows the preparation of genomic DNA of a quality suitable for polymerase chain reaction-based studies of large populations at around one-tenth of the cost of commercially available kits. Furthermore, 96 samples can be purified from crude tissue digests in around 30 min and are produced in microtitre plate format to allow efficient downstream processing of samples.