Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA) are molecules that store, read, and translate the genetic instructions used to inform development, function, growth, and reproduction of organisms. Extraction and purification of DNA or RNA is performed to isolate the molecule of interest from other cellular and biological material like proteins and cell membranes. Purified DNA or RNA are better suited for many laboratory techniques, such as PCR or NGS, than crude, unpurified samples.