Ethidium bromide [1239-45-8]

A trypanocidal agent and possible antiviral agent that is widely used in experimental cell biology and biochemistry. Ethidium has several experimentally useful properties including binding to nucleic acids, noncompetitive inhibition of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, and fluorescence among others. It is most commonly used as the bromide. (In Vitro):Guidelines (Following is our recommended protocol. This protocol only provides a guideline, and should be modified according to your specific needs).The preparation of agarose gel:1. Agarose gels are commonly used in concentrations of 0.5% to 2.5% depending on the size of bands needed to be separated.2. Mix the agarose powder with 1X TAE/TBE.3. Microwave for 1-3 min until the agarose is completely dissolved (Caution: not overboil).4. Make the solution cool down before solidification.5. Add ethidium bromide (EtBr) to a final concentration of approximately 0.2-0.5 μg/mL (Stocks are generally 10 mg/ml, and require 5 μL stock/100 mL gel).6. Ethidium bromide binds to the DNA and you could visualize the DNA under ultraviolet (UV) light.CAUTION: EtBr is a known mutagen. Please pay attention to strengthening protection.