The solution in which DNA fragments or molecules of various sizes are present is known as DNA Ladders. These molecules are necessary for daily laboratory operations in determining the accurate size of DNA fragments having unknown origin. Not only do they help in determining the size of DNA molecules, but they are even responsible for the quantification of the number of DNA fragment mutations. Dive into this blog to learn in detail about the vast diversity of DNA Ladders and develop a clear concept about it.
What are DNA Ladders All About?
The accurate size of unknown DNA fragments and recombinant protein can be determined by DNA Ladders. It is almost similar to protein ladders and is used in the procedure of gel electrophoresis. Keep reading to get a clearer insight into the concept, role, variability, and protein generation techniques of DNA Ladders:
Concept of DNA Ladders
Although the term DNA Ladder is quite popular, many are still unaware of its actual concept or functioning in the world of biochemistry. DNA Ladders are also referred to as molecular weight size markers. It comprises DNA molecule solutions of varying sizes.
It is primarily utilized in procedures such as agarose or acrylamide gel electrophoresis to estimate the size of unfamiliar DNA fragments. Since these fragments tend to part away in an electrical field depending upon their motility, DNA Ladders are employed to determine their size.
Role in Experiments
Without the existence of molecular weight size markers, it would have been difficult to conduct various chemical procedures with the major one being gel electrophoresis. During the chemical procedure, lab technicians introduce DNA Ladders to their experiments. It consists of DNA fragments of familiar sizes. Now, during gel electrophoresis, these familiar DNA fragments are used to determine the size of unknown fragments by running a close comparison. Hence, it would not have been possible to estimate the accurate size of DNA fragments without the involvement of DNA Ladders hence, undoubtedly it plays a major significance in laboratory experiments.
Variability in the Lab
There is a great variation in the types of DNA Ladders used in the lab. The variability of molecular weight size markers is as follows:
1 kb DNA ladder
These ladders have a much easier orientation comprising 1000 bp and 3000 bp. The DNA fragments in this ladder are used as dialects to control the electrophoresis process.
1 kb plus DNA ladder
This ladder contains DNA fragments ranging within the size of 0.5 kb to 10 kb. This type of ladder can be used for determining the size of double-stranded DNA ranging from 250 bp to 25,000 bp using an apoptosis kit.
100 bp DNA ladder
This ladder comprises approximately 500 bp to 1500 bp. Scientists use this type of ladder to determine the size of double-stranded DNA ranging from 100 bp to 1500 bp.
Conclusion
Thus, it’s evident how versatile different types of DNA ladders can be. In case you’re looking for effective DNA ladders, visit Universal Biotechnology. Starting from 1kb plus molecular weight size markers to 100bp DNA Ladder H3 RTU (Ready-to-Use), you can avail of them all at Universal Biotechnology.
