Extraction detection and partial characterization of free nucleic acid-polysaccharide complex (FNA-PS) from the water of coconut (Cocos nucifera L.)

Date

4-2006

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Biology

Major Course

Major in Cell Biology

College

College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)

Adviser/Committee Chair

Merlyn S. Mendioro

Abstract

To determine the presence of free nucleic acids (FNA) in the water of coconut (Cocos nucifera L.), the protocol for extraction of FNA was optimized using a volume of 5 mL normal coconut water (CW) and potassium acetate salt. A thread-like pellet was observed, suggesting that FNA was extracted. Polysaccharides were extracted from both precipitated FNA and crude CW using the modified Michaels and co-workers protocol. A clear, gelatinous pellet was observed in each set-up, suggesting that the modified method for extracting polysaccharides may be used to extract polysaccharides from both precipitated FNA and crude CW. The presence of FNA-PS in both precipitated FNA and crude CW were determined using colorimetric test. Positive results from the colorimetric test suggest that a possible association of FNA and PS exists in normal CW. The higher concentration (— 1.00 ng/pL) of precipitated FNA than crude CW (— 0.10 ng/pL) suggests that potassium acetate has concentrated the FNA-PS in CW. These results suggest that both precipitated FNA and crude CW may be used to extract FNA-PS from normal CW. The pattern of association of FNA-PS was determined by Proteinase K digestion. A positive result in the colorimetric test confirms the presence of FNA-PS complex in normal CW. The characterization of the FNA-PS complex was determined by DNAse I digestion and RNAse A digestion. Both treatments yielded positive results in the colorimetric test, suggesting that both DNA (-0.50 ng/pL) and RNA (— 0.50 ng/pL) are found in the FNA-PS complex.

Language

English

Location

UPLB Main Library Special Collections Section (USCS)

Call Number

Thesis

Document Type

Thesis

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