METHODS FOR REDUCING NUCLEIC ACID DAMAGE

Provided herein is a method of inhibiting degradation of nucleic acids during a nucleic acid processing step selected from fragmentation and detection comprising contacting the nucleic acids with a solution comprising gallic acid, analogues, derivatives thereof or mixtures thereof, during the processing step, wherein the contacting inhibits degradation of the nucleic acids. Also provided herein is a method of inhibiting light-induced degradation of nucleic acids. Additionally, provided herein is a method of reducing or inhibiting nucleic acid damage during preparation of a nucleic acid sample comprising fragmenting the nucleic acid sequences in the sample in a solution comprising one of more compounds, the compounds inhibiting degradation of the nucleic acid sequences in the sample.