EdvoTech Tips: What is a DNA Ladder and how do you use it?

*This video does not describe restriction mapping of the plasmid found in Edvotek kit #301*

Agarose gel electrophoresis is a biotechnology technique that uses electricity and a porous gel matrix to separate mixtures of DNA molecules into discrete zones, or bands, based on its size. As the length of a DNA molecule increases, the distance it can travel decreases. So we find larger molecules at the top of the gel, and smaller molecules at the bottom.

But how do you know the size of your DNA fragments after electrophoresis? You use a DNA ladder, a common reagent used in agarose gel electrophoresis. This reagent allows us to determine the size of our experimental DNA fragments after they are separated by electrophoresis.

In this video, we will discuss the DNA ladder -- why we use them, how we use them, and how not to use them! We hope this helps you achieve success in your next electrophoresis experiment.

Equipment and experiments featured:
Edvotek EDGE: edvotek.com/500
5-50 uL variable micropipette: https://www.edvotek.com/590
SybrSafe DNA Stain: https://www.edvotek.com/608
Edvotek Cloning Kit: https://www.edvotek.com/301
EcoRI Dryzyme: https://www.edvotek.com/715

(The plasmid used in this experiment is not available for sale.)
______________________________

Don't forget to like and subscribe to our social media!
YouTube:    / edvotekinc  
Twitter:   / edvotek  
Instagram:   / edvotek  
  / edvotek  
_______________________________