The DNA samples in EDVO-Kit 100 series kits are room temperature stable for many months. We suggest refrigeration to minimize evaporation of water from the tubes. If evaporation has occurred, distilled water can be added to adjust to the original volume.

My UltraSpec-Agarose™ gel is "chunky/grainy" when I pour it - is this OK?

Actually no, the gel must be completely dissolved and free of any particles. Carefully swirl the gel up to the light and look for any "glass-like" particles that haven't dissolved. Continue heating until the gel looks clear, like water. Remember to compensate for evaporation. When the gel has been dissolved, cool it to approximately 60°C before pouring into the gel tray.

"How do I load my gel?"

The best way to load gels is to remove tape or end-caps from the casting tray of the solidified gel and submerge it under buffer. Place the pipet tip above the well and slowly dispense the sample - avoid going into the well as this could puncture the bottom and cause the sample to leak out.

"My gel is loaded but the samples will not move."

Was the buffer for the gel and chamber made with distilled water and diluted properly?

Are the electrodes bubbling? Is the lid secure and the power supply plugged in and working properly (i.e. the fuse is not blown)?

Is the gel submerged under the buffer (i.e. is the gel in direct contact with the buffer)?

"The samples migrated but I don't see any separation."

Was the gel stained and/or destained after electrophoresis? Stain with InstaStain® Methylene Blue for 15 minutes and destain with several rinses of warm (37°C) distilled water. For InstaStain® Ethidium Bromide, stain for 2-5 minutes and place the gel on a transilluminator (254 - 302 nm) to visualize the DNA.

"Can I run my DNA samples and stain the gel the following day?"

This can be done as long as the gel remains under buffer or distilled water, however we recommend that you stain immediately after electrophoresis for clearer, sharper bands. Consider an overnight stain rather than next-day staining. To do this, place the gel in a small dish or weigh boat and place the InstaStain® Methylene Blue in direct contact with the gel. Place the gel tray on top of the InstaStain® card and add distilled water to the tray, just enough to keep the gel moist overnight. The destaining may take longer the following day, but the results will be improved.

"The gel was stained and destained but I still don't see separation."

Was the gel destained enough? A light sky-blue background is optimal for visualizing DNA stained with methylene blue. Try destaining for a longer period of time.

If you have any other technical questions, please don't hesitate to contact us.

E D V O T E K® -- The Biotechnology Education Company®
tel 800.338.6835 | fax 301.340.0582 | info@edvotek.com
Post Office Box 341232; Bethesda, MD 20827-1232