DNA Gel Stain

A DNA Gel Stain is a fluorescent or colored dye used in gel electrophoresis to detect, visualize, and quantify nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) within agarose or polyacrylamide gels.

Key Characteristics

• Function: Binds to double-stranded DNA, single-stranded DNA, or RNA, causing it to fluoresce or change color when exposed to UV or blue-light transilluminators.
• Alternatives to EtBr: Modern options like SYBR Safe and GelRed replace toxic and mutagenic ethidium bromide (EtBr) with safer, less hazardous profiles.
• Application Flexibility: Can be mixed directly into the molten agarose before casting (pre-cast) or soaked in a staining solution after electrophoresis is complete (post-stain).
• Detection Sensitivity: Capable of detecting sub-nanogram quantities of nucleic acids per band (often down to ~0.1 ng to 1 ng).