Molten Agarose (Variable Concentration)
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1. Add either 0.8, 1, or 1.5 g of agarose (Fisher Scientific BP160) to 100 mL of 1× TAE electrophoresis running buffer in a 250 mL glass bottle to make a 0.8% w/v, 1% w/v, or 1.5% w/v solution, respectively.
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2. Microwave until boiling starts, and then carefully swirl the bottle.
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3. Continue microwaving at reduced power with occasional swirling until the agarose is fully dissolved.
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4. Cool the molten agarose to 60°C.
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5. Add 5 µL SYBR Safe DNA gel strain (Invitrogen S33102) to the 100 mL molten agarose.
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6. Cast the agarose gel.
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Before the addition of the SYBR safe DNA gel stain, the molten 0.8% agarose or 1% can be stored for up to 1 wk at 60°C, but the 1.5% agarose should be used fresh. Single-use aliquots of either can be stored for up to 6 mo at 4°C, and then microwaved to remelt.
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