DNA prep, or DNA preparation, is a foundational procedure in molecular biology that involves isolating and purifying DNA from cells, tissues, or other biological samples. The goal of DNA prep is to obtain high-quality, intact DNA suitable for a wide range of downstream applications, including cloning, sequencing, PCR, and transfection. Different types of DNA prep methods exist depending on the desired purity and scale, from mini-preps used in routine lab work to large-scale prep for gene therapy or biomanufacturing. Efficient DNA prep ensures that contaminants such as proteins, RNA, and salts are minimized, providing consistent and reliable results for both research and industrial use.