The Dische test, or Dische reaction, is used to distinguish DNA from RNA. It was invented by Zacharias Dische.
Method
Dische's diphenylamine reagent consists of diphenylamine, glacial acetic acid, sulfuric acid, and ethanol.
When heated with DNA, it turns blue in the presence of DNA. A more intense blue color indicates a greater concentration of DNA.
Mechanism
The acid converts deoxyribose to a molecule that binds with diphenylamine to form a blue substance. The reagent does not interact with RNA, so can be used to distinguish DNA from RNA.
See also
References
- Patterson, J; Mura, C (4 February 2013). "Rapid colorimetric assays to qualitatively distinguish RNA and DNA in biomolecular samples". Journal of Visualized Experiments (72): e50225. doi:10.3791/50225. PMC 3597041. PMID 23407542.
- "Nucleic Acids: DNA extraction and Dische's Diphenylamine test (Activity) | Biology OER". Retrieved 8 March 2023.
- "DNA-Dische Diphenylamine Determination". biocyclopedia.com. Retrieved 8 March 2023.