The MiniBeadbeater-16 efficiently and safely disrupts spores, microorganisms, plant and animal tissues or soil samples. Up to 16, 1.5 or 2 ml microvials in a removable cassette are loaded with small ceramic beads and sample suspension. The contents are violently shaken for one to three minutes to achieve 95+ percent cell disruption. Because the vials and beads are disposable, the homogenization method is ideal for PAGE, PCR and probe applications where cross contamination between samples cannot be tolerated. DNA or RNA is recovered in the high yields by simultaneous cell disruption and nucleic acid extraction. Other applications include extraction of metabolites in organic solvent or dry grinding seeds and frozen or lyophilized plant material.