DNA Gel Stains
DNA gel stains are fluorescent or visible dyes used to detect, size, and quantify nucleic acids (DNA/RNA) in agarose or polyacrylamide gels. They act as safer, non-mutagenic alternatives to traditional ethidium bromide (EtBr), offering high sensitivity for downstream applications like cloning and sequencing.
Product Description
Key Features and Specifications
- Safety: Many modern options like Biotium GelRed are cell membrane-impermeant, meaning they cannot enter living cells to interact with DNA, making them safer for disposal.
- Sensitivity: Can detect as little as ~ 0.1 ng to ~ 1 ng of DNA per band depending on the specific dye.
- Excitation/Emission: Optimized to work with standard UV transilluminators or safer blue-light gel imaging systems.
- Versatility: Can typically be used as a pre-cast stain (added directly to the molten agarose) or as a post-stain (soaked in a dye bath after electrophoresis).
