Cost-effective media for the rapid and high resolution of small DNA fragments using polyacrylamide-based electrophoresis

in Molecular Ecology Notes (2006), 6(3), 609-612

Current Tris-based solutions for DNA electrophoresis produce a positive feedback loop between current and temperature at high voltage, resulting in long running times for the separation of even small DNA ... [more ▼]

Current Tris-based solutions for DNA electrophoresis produce a positive feedback loop between current and temperature at high voltage, resulting in long running times for the separation of even small DNA fragments. We optimized the separation of small DNA fragments (90-300 bp) in polyacrylamide-based electrophoresis at high voltages (200volts/cm) by substituting Tris with low concentration alkali salts (e.g. 1 mm LiCl and CsCl). These media reduced the heat produced during electrophoresis, enhanced the DNA fragment resolution, and allowed gels to be run at higher voltages, reducing gel running times by 25%. In addition, the elimination of Tris and EDTA from the buffer reduced material costs approximately 10-fold. © 2006 The Authors. [less ▲]

Molecular identification of three sympatric species of wood mice (Apodemus sylvaticus, A-flavicollis, A-alpicola) in western Europe (Muridae : Rodentia)

in Molecular Ecology Notes (2001), 1(4), 260-263

The woodmouse (Apodemus sylvaticus) and yellow-necked fieldmouse (Apodelnus flavicollis) are sympatric and even syntopic in many regions throughout their European range. Their field discrimination on the ... [more ▼]

The woodmouse (Apodemus sylvaticus) and yellow-necked fieldmouse (Apodelnus flavicollis) are sympatric and even syntopic in many regions throughout their European range. Their field discrimination on the basis of external characters is a real challenge for many fields of research. The problem is even more complicated in the Alpine chain where they live sympatrically with a third similar species: A. alpicola. A rapid and simple method is proposed to discriminate the three species in processing field-collected biopsies as well as ethanol-preserved museum samples. [less ▲]