Electrophoretic separation of nucleic acids from proteins at low ph

The present invention relates generally to methods of separating nucleic acids from cellular debris, such as proteins, in a biological sample. Specifically, the invention relates to the use of electrophoresis at a low pH to separate nucleic acids from substances carrying a net positive charge. The present invention relates to methods for separating nucleic acids from other cellular debris, especially substances that carry a net positive charge at low pH, by electrophoresis under acid conditions. In the purification method of the present invention, nucleic acids are separated from proteins found in the same biological sample by applying the sample to an electrophesis gel and subjecting the sample to electrophoresis under acid conditions to separate the nucleic acids from the proteins. The optimum pH may differ for different sample types but can be readily determined by those skilled in the art. Preferably, the separation is performed at a pH of about 2 to about 4. More preferably, electrophoresis is carried out at a pH of 2.5