Dynamics of single-stranded DNA migration in denaturing polyacrylamide slab-gel electrophoresis

Electrophoresis. 2001 Oct;22(16):3527-32. doi: 10.1002/1522-2683(200109)22:16<3527::AID-ELPS3527>3.0.CO;2-6.

Abstract

We describe an original apparatus for the study of the dynamics of single stranded DNA migration. Four detectors based on laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) are equidistantly placed on one migration lane, allowing repeated measurements of the same DNA band at different positions along migration. This article presents the characteristics and performances of this system and focuses on the data analysis, showing how the multiple detection scheme enables the study of band broadening and band resolution during a migration run. Our results suggest the existence of anomalous (nonthermal) diffusion of DNA molecules during the electrophoretic process.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bacteriophage M13 / genetics*
  • DNA, Single-Stranded / chemistry*
  • DNA, Viral / chemistry*
  • Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel / instrumentation
  • Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel / methods
  • Nucleic Acid Denaturation
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • DNA, Single-Stranded
  • DNA, Viral