Skip to main content

The Burton Assay for DNA

  • Protocol
Nucleic Acids

Part of the book series: Methods in Molecular Biology ((MIMB,volume 2))

Abstract

The Burton assay for DNA is a colorimetric procedure for measuring the deoxyribose moiety of DNA. It is reasonably specific for deoxyribose, although very high concentrations of ribose (from RNA) or sucrose must be avoided. The method can be used on relatively crude extracts and in other circumstances where direct measurement of ultraviolet absorbance of denatured DNA is not practical. The assay has been widely used.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Protocol
USD 49.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 84.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 109.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  1. Burton, K. (1956) A study of the conditions and mechanism of the diphenylamine reaction for the colorimetric estimation of DNA. Biochem. J. 62, 315–323.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Editor information

John M. Walker

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 1984 The Humana Press Inc.

About this protocol

Cite this protocol

Waterborg, J.H., Matthews, H.R. (1984). The Burton Assay for DNA. In: Walker, J.M. (eds) Nucleic Acids. Methods in Molecular Biology, vol 2. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1385/0-89603-064-4:1

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1385/0-89603-064-4:1

  • Publisher Name: Humana Press

  • Print ISBN: 978-0-89603-064-0

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-59259-489-4

  • eBook Packages: Springer Protocols

Publish with us

Policies and ethics