IGEM:PennState/2006/dnagels

AGAROSE (DNA) GEL PROTOCOL

Media/Reagents

• 1X TAE or 1X TBE
• Agarose (powder)
• Ethidium Bromide (EtBr)

Gel

1. Make [x] % agarose gel (%= weight/volume) according to size DNA you want to separate (higher MW bands are better resolved by lower percentage gels, e.g. 0.6%, while lower MW bands are best resolved by higher percentage gels, e.g. 1.4%). For most applications, 1% gel is appropriate, so weigh 1g agarose, and place in a 250 mL erlenmeyer flask (or appropriately large glassware so that the solution won’t boil over).
2. To it add 100 mL 1X TAE or 1X TBE (TAE is used when DNA will be extracted from gel, TBE is used for diagnostic purposes).
3. Swirl to mix.
4. Cover flask w/ Reynolds wrap & microwave for approx. 45 sec or until solution begins to boil.
5. While allowing flask to cool, assemble gel apparatus by taping ends of tray (flush against bottom to prevent leakage) and inserting combs (20-well comb holds 12+ μL).
6. Cool flask until it is hold-able.
7. Add 50 μL EtBr, swirl to mix, and pour in tray & allow to solidify (15 min).
8. Remove combs, put tray in electrophoresis apparatus, fill with appropriate buffer until gel is fully submerged

Loading Gel:

1. Add 5 μL/ladder to gel (found in fridge H)
2. Add 2 μL loading buffer to each sample and load on gel
3. Run at 100 V (if switch is on low, read lower scale; don’t go too far over or gel will melt), until bands migrate approx. 2/3 down gel. (takes around 45 min)

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