Lysis buffer

A lysis buffer is used for the purpose of lysing cells for use in experiments that analyze the compounds of the cells (e.g. western blot). There are many different kind of lysis buffers that one can apply, depending on what analysis the cell lysate will be used for.

In studies like DNA fingerprinting the lysis buffer is used for DNA isolation. Dish soap can be used in a pinch to break down the cell and nuclear membranes, allowing the DNA to be released. Other such lysis buffers include Buffer P2.