The Christmas Tree in the Lab: The Secret of DNA Electrophoresis Bands

Hello everyone, today we're going to talk about an interesting phenomenon in the lab—the "Christmas tree" shape of DNA electrophoresis bands.

DNA Electrophoresis: Basic Science Popularization First, let's briefly review DNA electrophoresis. It is a biochemical technique that uses an electric field to drive the movement of DNA molecules in a gel, thereby separating DNA fragments of different sizes. This is crucial in the fields of gene cloning and DNA sequencing.

"Christmas Tree" Phenomenon However, sometimes we find that the electrophoresis bands are not neat straight lines, but spread out like a Christmas tree. What exactly is going on?

Reason: This phenomenon is usually caused by insufficient electrophoresis buffer. When the buffer does not completely cover the gel, DNA molecules move faster at the edges of the gel, causing the bands to spread out at the edges and form a shape similar to a Christmas tree.

Solutions Fill the buffer to the brim: Ensure that there is enough buffer in the electrophoresis tank, at least covering the surface of the gel.

Check the electrodes: Make sure the electrodes are connected correctly and the voltage is stable to avoid unstable current affecting the electrophoresis effect. Adjust the gel concentration: Appropriately adjust the concentration of the gel, as too thin or too thick gel can affect the migration speed of DNA.

On the road of scientific research, there are always some unexpected "surprises." But remember, every failure is a step towards success. Keep a sense of humor, stay optimistic, and your journey in scientific research will be more exciting!