In DNA extraction, which component disrupts the cell membrane?

Detergents play a crucial role in DNA extraction by disrupting the cell membrane. They work by breaking down the lipid bilayer of the cell membrane through a process called emulsification. The hydrophobic portions of detergents interact with the lipids in the membrane, causing it to disassemble and allowing the cellular contents, including DNA, to be released into the solution. This step is essential for the subsequent stages of DNA extraction, where the DNA can be separated and purified from other cellular components.

While saline solutions can help maintain osmotic balance, they do not actively disrupt the membrane. Proteases are enzymes that degrade proteins and are used later in the process to remove proteins associated with DNA, while alcohol is typically used to precipitate the DNA after it has been released. Thus, detergents are the primary agents for breaking down the cell membrane during DNA extraction.