Abstract: The invention relates to methods of extracting mitochondrial DNA from whole seeds in a high-throughput environment. The method comprises grinding a population of whole seeds, preferably wheat or barley seeds; isolating the mitochondria from the seeds; and extracting the mitochondrial DNA. Methods also relate to the use of low-speed centrifugation, which permits the methods use in a high-throughput environment.

Abstract: Provided are methods and compositions for preserving tissue samples containing nucleic acids, including DNA, at ambient temperatures and without the need for cold sampling or cold storage. After storage, the preserved DNA in the samples may then be processed and analyzed by known methods, e.g., PCR. The present invention provides in one aspect, a method for simple and rapid storage and/or processing of nucleic acids, such as DNA, from various sources, including but not limited to plants, tissues, bacterial cell lysates containing plasmids, etc. The present invention further comprises reagents and methods employing glycerol at alkaline pH to process biological samples and make DNA usable in PCR without further sample purification. Accordingly, the present invention provides in one aspect, a method for simple and rapid processing of nucleic acids, such as DNA, from various sources, including but not limited to plants, tissues, bacterial cell lysates containing plasmids, etc.

Abstract: A method for isolating genomic DNA (gDNA) from a biological material. In some embodiments, the method includes (a) contacting a sample that contains gDNA with a solution of hydroxide and a detergent under conditions and for a time sufficient to degrade a cell wall, a cell membrane, a nuclear membrane, a nucleoprotein, or combinations thereof and/or to denature the gDNA; (b) mixing into the solution resulting from step (a) a solution characterized by high salt and sufficient buffering capacity to reduce the pH of the solution to less than 10, thereby producing a neutralized solution; (c) centrifuging the sample at a speed and length of time sufficient to clarify the preparation; and (d) removing insoluble material from the neutralized and clarified preparation, whereby a solution of gDNA is produced.

Abstract: A method for isolating genomic DNA (gDNA) from a biological material. In some embodiments, the method includes (a) contacting a sample that contains gDNA with a solution of hydroxide and a detergent under conditions and for a time sufficient to degrade a cell wall, a cell membrane, a nuclear membrane, a nucleoprotein, or combinations thereof and/or to denature the gDNA; (b) mixing into the solution resulting from step (a) a solution characterized by high salt and sufficient buffering capacity to reduce the pH of the solution to less than 10, thereby producing a neutralized solution; (c) centrifuging the sample at a speed and length of time sufficient to clarify the preparation; and (d) removing insoluble material from the neutralized and clarified preparation, whereby a solution of gDNA is produced.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a genomic DNA extraction reagent and method for improved extraction of DNA from biological tissue. The extraction reagent of the invention is mixed with disrupted biological tissue to form a DNA extraction solute which is incubated in a DNA extraction step. The extraction reagent includes an alkali component to maintain the DNA extraction solute at a pH of about 10 to 14 substantially throughout the extraction step. The extraction solute is centrifuged to clarify the supernatant. The supernatant containing the extracted DNA is diluted with a neutralizing buffer resulting in a high throughout method of generating high quantities of high quality DNA. Major PCR inhibitors are managed with the unique chemical combinations of the DNA extraction reagent designed and optimized for extraction of DNA from plant tissue and cells.

Abstract: A novel transgenic corn event designated MZDT09Y is disclosed. The invention relates to nucleic acids that are unique to event MZDT09Y and to methods of detecting the presence of event MZDT09Y based on DNA sequences of the recombinant constructs inserted into the corn genome that resulted in the MZDT09Y event and of genomic sequences flanking the insertion site. The invention further relates to corn plants comprising the transgenic genotype of event MZDT09Y and to methods for producing a corn plant by crossing a corn plant comprising the MZDT09Y genotype with itself or another corn variety. Seeds of corn plants comprising the MZDT09Y genotype are also objects of the invention.