Does dish soap emulsify lipids in the cell membrane?

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SUMMARY

The discussion confirms that liquid detergents, such as SDS, Triton-X100, Tween, and Saponin, effectively emulsify lipids in cell membranes, facilitating DNA extraction from kiwi cells. The emulsification process occurs without the need for heat, although heat can enhance the efficiency of mechanical mashing. The conversation emphasizes the importance of thoroughly rinsing glassware to eliminate detergent residues, which can interfere with subsequent experiments.

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  • Understanding of cell membrane structure and function
  • Familiarity with DNA extraction techniques
  • Knowledge of biological grade detergents and their properties
  • Basic laboratory safety and cleanliness protocols
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  • Research the specific mechanisms of action for SDS and Triton-X100 in membrane disruption
  • Explore the differences in efficacy between various biological detergents for DNA extraction
  • Learn about the protocols for DNA extraction from different plant tissues
  • Investigate the importance of rinsing techniques to prevent contamination in laboratory settings
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Biochemists, molecular biologists, laboratory technicians, and educators involved in DNA extraction and cell biology research will benefit from this discussion.

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http://www.google.ca/search?q=cache:0j8NdYaQ3L4J:www.foodsafetynetwork.ca/biotechres/activityextraction.pdf+Kiwi+DNA+Extraction+Lab&hl=en

The above url is a lab that states that to do a DNA extraction of kiwi the cell membrane is eliminated through liquid detergent and mechincal mashing - done with a beaker in hot water. Would I be correct in saying the liquid detergent emulsifies the lipids in the cell membrane causing it to break down and be more easily destroyed through mechanical mashing?

Does the liquid detergent activate immediately or does heat have to cause movement in order for the emulsifying to occur?

Thanks.
 
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Yes, it emulsifies the membrane. Here's a site that explains the actions of a number of reagents used to break down membranes for DNA extraction:
http://dwb.unl.edu/Teacher/NSF/C08/C08Links/cpmcnet.columbia.edu/dept/physio/tchrplan/oniondna.html

The detergent will act without heat. There are a number of biological grade detergents available, such as SDS, Triton-X100, Tween, and Saponin, that have different strengths as detergents. You can use them in very low concentrations just to make the membrane more permeable, such as to get in antibodies for immunocytochemistry, or you can use higher concentrations to break down the membrane to extract the DNA.

Because detergent will break down cell membranes, we have to be VERY careful in the lab to make sure all detergent residue is fully rinsed off glassware before using it.
 
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