Extraction Kits
Prepare clean starting material for downstream assays with kits for total protein extraction and mitochondrial isolation.
Lyse cells or tissue and recover total protein for quantification, western blotting or enzyme assays.
Isolate mitochondria for respiratory chain activity assays and other organelle-level studies.
Quantify yield with a BCA or Bradford protein assay, then move on to mitochondrial activity or enzyme activity assays.
The quality of an assay result depends on the sample that goes in. Consistent lysis, protection from proteases and gentle handling of organelles all reduce well-to-well variation. Keep samples cold throughout, work quickly, and normalise to protein content before comparing treatments.
Cultured cells and tissue. See each protocol for recommended starting amounts.
Measure total protein with a BCA or Bradford assay. For mitochondria, a complex activity assay confirms the preparation is functional.
Sample requirements are set out in each complex activity protocol; an enriched mitochondrial fraction generally gives the cleanest signal.