Triton X in PCR - (May/29/2007 )

I am wondering why add 1% Triton X in a PCR mix.

I loose a lot of PCR product after gel extraction - there's no DNA in the elution solutions (I am using Qiagen gel extraction kit) - seems like DNA is stuck in the filter and I can't elute it.
I already tried doing phenol-chloroform and then gel extraction - although my 260/280 is improving, I am still loosing quite a lot.
Any suggestions?
Thanks

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Did you try without the Triton X ???

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yes
I get the band, but I also get another band of larger size, which I can't get rid of after gel extraction, although it is almost unnoticable

Do you know why triton X can help PCR?
thanks

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Triton is an anionic detergent. Why putting in the PCR reaction? Unless it clear up some contaminated protein.

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i use triton X 100 in plate to restrict colony size

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Hmm you are restricting colony size by detergent's activity on protein in the colonies?
I would love to have larger colony size though.

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Nonionic surfactants such as Triton X-100 prevent target and polymerase from sticking to the tube/well walls. By keeping the target DNA in solution, it helps prevent primer dimer.

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sorry i should be more specific
we use triton X 100 to restrict colony size of fungus in PDA plate

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