Ethidium bromide

Definition

Ethidium bromide is a fluorescent dye commonly used in molecular biology to stain nucleic acids, allowing visualization under UV light. It intercalates between DNA bases, making it a potent mutagen.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ethidium bromide is highly mutagenic because it can intercalate into DNA, causing frame-shift mutations.
2. When exposed to UV light, ethidium bromide fluoresces with an orange-red color, aiding in the visualization of DNA bands during gel electrophoresis.
3. It is commonly used in agarose and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis for detecting nucleic acids.
4. Due to its toxicity and potential carcinogenic properties, ethidium bromide must be handled with care and disposed of as hazardous waste.
5. Alternatives to ethidium bromide, such as SYBR Safe and GelRed, are gaining popularity due to their reduced toxicity.

Review Questions

Related terms

Gel Electrophoresis:

A technique used to separate mixtures of DNA or proteins according to molecular size.

Mutagen:

An agent that causes changes in the genetic material, often resulting in mutations.

Fluorescence:

The emission of light by a substance that has absorbed light or other electromagnetic radiation.