How to Perform a Gel Extraction

Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Cell Biology Protocols >> How to Perform a Gel Extraction

1. use combs with wider wells to pour the agarose gel
2. digest approximately 1-2ug of DNA (7-14 uL of a miniprep)
3. run gel at 80V for as long as possible (probably will take more than 1 h to run)
4. while gel is running, set the heating block to 50 degrees; get eppendorf tubes, spatula, razor blades ready; weigh the empty eppendorf tube and note its weight
5. once gel is finished running, place gel onto the apparatus for cutting gels
6. turn on the UV light to preparative (don’t use analytical, as high-energy UV will damage the DNA)
7. excise out the minimum amount of agarose and place into the eppendorf tube
8. weigh out the sample in the eppendorf tube and subtract out the weight of the eppendorf tube
9. follow the instructions in the gel extraction manual from whichever company you purchase it from (eg Qiagen)