Luckau Protocols:Agarose Gel

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Agarose Gel

Purpose

Agarose gels are used to verify the presence and estimate the size of DNA (both genomic and amplified). When loaded into a gel and subjected to an electric current, DNA fragments migrate to the positive terminal. Small DNA fragments migrate more rapidly than large ones. By running a commercially available ladder of fragments of known size, we can estimate the DNA fragment size in our sample of interest.

To visualize the DNA after electrophoresis, a dye called Gel Red is added during the agarose-making process. The dye binds to the DNA and flouresces when exposed to UV light.

Materials To Be Familiar With

• Gel Rig, caster tray, combs
• 

Protocol

1. Make gel using 1x TAE and agarose
   • Use 1% for genomic DNA, 2% for amplified DNA

Gel Rig Size	1x TAE (mL)	1.5% agarose (g)	2% agarose (g)	Gel Red (µL)	Sample volume (µL)	max voltage (V)
small	50	_	1	5	4-6	80
medium	130	_	2.6	13	24-tooth comb: 6-10	120
					36-tooth comb: 3-5
large	_	_	_	_	_	170