Is there a specific reason for adding EtBr to the gel instead of DNA sample/dye mixture? I use a RNA dye containing EtBr when running RNA gel so I don't add EtBr to the agarose. Just curious if I can do the same with DNA gel.
Hello,
Already, without talking about the possibility of doing it or not, from my point of view it is preferable to add directly to the gel instead of adding to the sample for 2 reasons:
1) If you have a lot of samples, then you are required to add an amount of Ethidium Bromide to each sample, which increases the number of times you will handle Ethidium Bromide and therefore you will increase the risks associated with handling this dangerous product;
2) The amount of Ethidium Bromide you are going to use is likely to be high, because the Ethidium Bromide tubes allow you to collect at least one drop of Ethidium Bromide this means that for each sample you will put one drop, whereas if you put directly into the gel, you will only put 2 drops for the whole gel.
Adding EtBr individually to all the samples is very tricky, because you need to add a tiny amount. However, if you add directly to the gel, it will be only 2 drops- much easy to add. It will save your time too.
Sure, you can do that and it is not uncommon practice either. There are many who add EtBr in loading dye. Many EtBr free dyes are also used in same way.
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