This document discusses the three main steps to isolate plasmid DNA from bacterial cells: 1) Cell lysis using alkaline lysis with SDS to break open the cells and release the plasmid DNA, 2) Deproteinization and removal of chromosomal DNA, and 3) Precipitation of the purified plasmid DNA. The isolation of plasmid DNA is important for studying extrachromosomal DNA molecules that are capable of autonomous replication in bacteria and yeast.