For one of our lab sessions, we had to isolate DNA from E. Coli bacteria. During one of the steps in the isolation process, we had to use SDS(Sodium lauryl sulfate) at 60°C. One of the questions was:

Question

Why do we use SDS, and why at this temperature.

I already found out that SDS is a detergent, and is therefor helping to release intracellular components.
But why is it being used at 60°C?

Answer 1

I found most Websites said to heat the SDS at 60C but never saying WHY. Perhaps this statement will help you:

NA samples were heated in SDS at 60 C for 5 minutes to insure. complete disruption of virions by SDS and to avoid aggregation.

So it's some property in the SDS?

Sra

Answer 2

Thanks a lot! I appreciate all your help. It's really hard to find decent info about this subject.