Protein extraction with TCA (trichloroacetic acid) and acetone is a widely used method to precipitate proteins from biological samples. This method is useful for obtaining proteins of interest for proteomic studies or biochemical analyses. Here are some reasons why TCA/acetone protein extraction is important: Selective Protein Precipitation: TCA/Acetone is effective in selective protein precipitation, allowing the removal of contaminants and unwanted components present in the sample. This is especially important in proteomic studies, where protein purity is critical for subsequent analyses. Removal of lipids and carbohydrates: TCA/acetone is efficient in removing lipids and carbohydrates, which can interfere with proteomic and biochemical analyses. These compounds are precipitated together with the proteins, facilitating their removal and improving the quality of the samples. Preservation of protein structure and function: The use of TCA/acetone for protein extraction can preserve protein structure and function. These precipitating agents do not denature proteins, allowing analysis of proteins in their native or active form. Simplified sample processing: Protein extraction with TCA/acetone is relatively simple and fast, providing a convenient approach to processing biological samples. This is especially advantageous when working with large numbers of samples or in situations where time is critical. In summary, protein extraction with TCA/acetone is an important and versatile method that allows obtaining high quality proteins for various analyzes and studies. Its efficiency in removing contaminants, preserving protein structure and simplicity make it an essential technique in biomedical and biotechnological research.

Extracting DNA from insects can be a difficult process due to a number of factors. Some of these factors include the size and quantity of the insect, the presence of enzymes that degrade DNA, as well as the presence of chemical compounds that interfere with DNA extraction. Some insects can be very small, making it difficult to collect enough tissue to extract DNA. In addition, insect tissues contain several enzymes that can rapidly degrade DNA, which can make it difficult to obtain DNA fragments long enough for molecular analysis. Another factor that can make it difficult to extract DNA from insects is the presence of chemical compounds that interfere with the extraction process. For example, many insects produce chemical compounds to protect themselves from predators, which can interfere with DNA extraction techniques. To overcome these challenges, researchers may need to optimize their DNA extraction techniques to meet the specific needs of the insect in question. This may involve using different chemicals and extraction protocols to remove chemical compounds and enzymes that interfere with DNA extraction. Here is an example of an optimized and efficient insect DNA extraction protocol.

Mahanarva spectabilis conhecida como cigarrinha-das-pastagens é o principal inseto-praga que causa severos danos as forrageiras tropicais, comprometendo a produção bovina e também a cadeia leiteira. Os adultos das cigarrinhas atacam a planta causando danos foliares como a clorose. As ninfas, por sua vez, criaram um mecanismo de proteção eficaz contra perda de umidade, contra variações de temperaturas e contra ação de inimigos naturais que é a produção de uma espuma que o encobre. Como estes mecanismos podem ser importantes para o controle do inseto-praga, foram analisados alguns dos constituintes das glândulas salivares como agentes citotóxicos, além da constituição proteica da espuma. Análises por SDS-PAGE LC/MS identificaram a região codificadora de uma proteína de 66 kDa apresentando alta abundância relativa na espuma. A presença deste gene de origem genômica foi confirmada por PCR, e como sendo de função desconhecida pela ausência de homólogos descritos. Um metabólito presente em alta abundância na glândula salivar foi identificado com alta similaridade com a toxina de origem fúngica Citocalasina B, podendo estar envolvido na produção do sintoma de clorose nas folhas. Portanto, as caracterizações funcionais dos componentes moleculares identificados poderão ser alvo para o desenvolvimento de mecanismo de controle na interação do inseto- praga.