We use gel red in our lab to stain our DNA for gel electrophoresis. The bands obtained are wavy and smeary sometimes. How shall we overcome this problem?
I think that gel stains show accurately where the dna is. If the dna is wavy and smeary then I expect that your sample loading, gel preparation or running conditions are at fault. Can you post gel running conditions and a picture of a typical gel please?
Hello
Your issue might not be related with GelRed method of staining. Since GelRed is negatively charged, pre-staining might not be the best method. Post staining with GelRed would give you a much higher resolution.
you are recommended to perform post-staining (5-10 min) with GelGreen/GelRed since dding the stain into the sample or gel will result in wavy bands as it interferes with DNA migration. Thus, to eliminate this possibility, try post-staining. If u noticed no changes, then, the waviness is due to either uneven melting of your gel, high DNA loading amount, or high voltage used. Could you post your running conditions?
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