Nucleic Acid Analysis

There can be many reasons to analyze nucleic acids. A researcher evaluating yields of DNA or RNA purification will want to quantify total amounts and assess their purity. Quantification and quality assessment of DNA and RNA can also be an important preliminary procedure. Appropriate amounts of high-quality DNA and RNA are needed to ensure the success of downstream molecular applications, such as Northern and Southern blotting, in situ hybridization, library preparation, sequencing, and other nucleic acid assays. Here we provide some useful tools, including instruments and kits, specially designed for DNA and RNA analysis.

Tools for Nucleic Acid Analysis

• Nucleic acid analysis instruments - These include a variety of microfluidic systems that can carry out analytical tasks on small sample DNA or RNA amounts. These can include assessments of nucleic acid size, quantity, integrity, and purity. Some instruments can also identify specific genetic sequences for multiplexed analysis on many samples.
• DNA quantification kits - Ready-to-use reagent sets provide a quick and reliable method of measuring total amounts or concentrations of DNA. Specific kits can also quantify DNA in various sample types, such as purified samples, serum, or plasma.
• RNA quantification kits - These kits contain ready-to-use components for straightforward RNA measurement. Many kits utilize fluorescent RNA-binding dyes for microplate reader or fluorometer-based detection.
• Electrophoresis equipment - Gel electrophoresis is a well-established method of measuring DNA and RNA qualitatively and semi-quantitatively. In addition to standard electrophoresis systems, specialized equipment that use capillary electrophoresis and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis systems are also available.