The full form of EtBr is Ethidium Bromide.
Understanding Ethidium Bromide (EtBr)
Ethidium Bromide, commonly abbreviated as EtBr, is a fluorescent tag widely used in molecular biology laboratories. Its primary function revolves around the visualization of nucleic acids, especially deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA).
Key Characteristics and Applications
EtBr is a cationic dye that intercalates between the base pairs of double-stranded DNA and RNA. When exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light, the intercalated EtBr fluoresces brightly, making the DNA bands visible during experimental procedures.
- Chemical Identifier: Ethidium Bromide is identified by its CAS number 1234-45-8. This unique identifier helps in cataloging and referencing the chemical universally.
- Primary Use: EtBr is extensively utilized for visualizing DNA fragments. This is crucial in many genetic and biochemical research applications where the presence, size, or quantity of DNA needs to be confirmed.
- Common Procedure: On many campuses and in research settings, Ethidium Bromide's main application is within agarose gel electrophoresis procedures. In this technique, DNA fragments are separated by size through an agarose gel, and EtBr is added to the gel or post-stained to allow for their detection under UV light. This method is fundamental for DNA analysis, including DNA fingerprinting, gene cloning, and PCR product verification.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Full Form | Ethidium Bromide |
| Abbreviation | EtBr |
| CAS Number | 1234-45-8 |
| Primary Role | Fluorescent dye for nucleic acid visualization |
| Key Application | Agarose gel electrophoresis for DNA analysis |
Importance in Molecular Biology
The ability of EtBr to bind to DNA and fluoresce under UV light revolutionized the field of molecular biology by providing a simple and effective way to visualize genetic material. Before its widespread use, DNA detection methods were more complex and less sensitive. Its ease of use and high sensitivity have made it a staple reagent in biochemical research.
For more detailed information on Ethidium Bromide, you can refer to reputable chemical databases or scientific resources, such as PubChem.
