JoVE Logo

Sign In

A subscription to JoVE is required to view this content. Sign in or start your free trial.

Abstract

Biochemistry

DNA Electrophoresis Using Thiazole Orange Instead of Ethidium Bromide or Alternative Dyes

Published: March 31st, 2019

DOI:

10.3791/59341

1Department of Molecular Biology and Chemistry, Christopher Newport University

Abstract

DNA gel electrophoresis using agarose is a common tool in molecular biology laboratories, allowing separation of DNA fragments by size. After separation, DNA is visualized by staining. This article demonstrates how to use thiazole orange to stain DNA. Thiazole orange compares favorably to common staining methods, in that it is sensitive, inexpensive, excitable with UV or blue light (to prevent sample damage), and safer than ethidium bromide. Labs already equipped to run DNA electrophoresis experiments using ethidium bromide can generally switch dyes with no additional changes to existing protocols, using UV light for detection. Blue-light detection to avoid sample damage can additionally be achieved with a blue-light source and emission filter. Labs already equipped for blue-light detection can simply switch dyes with no additional changes to existing protocols.

Explore More Videos

Keywords DNA Electrophoresis

This article has been published

Video Coming Soon

JoVE Logo

Privacy

Terms of Use

Policies

Research

Education

ABOUT JoVE

Copyright © 2024 MyJoVE Corporation. All rights reserved