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DNA and buffers: The hidden danger of complex formation by Nancy C. Stellwagen; Cecilia Gelfi; Pier Giorgio Righetti is a Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology article available to read on EtoBox.

What is DNA and buffers: The hidden danger of complex formation about?

The free solution electrophoretic mobility of DNA differs significantly in different buffers, suggesting that DNA-buffer interactions are present in certain buffer systems. Here, capillary and gel electrophoresis data are combined to show that the Tris ions in Tris-acetate-EDTA (TAE) buffers are associated with the DNA helix to approximately the same extent as sodium ions. The borate ions in Tris-borate-EDTA (TBE) buffers interact with DNA to form highly charged DNA-borate complexes, which are stable both in free solution and in polyacrylamide gels. DNA-borate complexes are not observed in agarose gels, because of the competition of the agarose gel fibers for the borate residues. The resulting agarose-borate complexes increase the negative charge of the agarose gel fibers, leading to an increased electroendosmotic flow of the solvent in agarose-TBE gels. The combined results indicate that the buffers in which DNA is studied cannot automatically be assumed to be innocuous.

Who reads DNA and buffers: The hidden danger of complex formation?

Author

Nancy C. Stellwagen; Cecilia Gelfi; Pier Giorgio Righetti

Publisher

Wiley

Published

2000

Language

EN

Field

Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology (Life Sciences)