Home › Cell Biology › Casting an Agarose Gel
Steps
  1. 1 Seal both ends of gel tray 00:12
  2. 2 Insert comb into gel tray 00:58
  3. 3 Position tray on level surface 01:08
  4. 4 Pour agarose into gel tray 01:21
  5. 5 Remove comb from solidified gel 01:32
  6. 6 Remove tape for immediate use 01:52
  7. 7 Store gel for later use 02:09
Cell Biology Bio-Rad Laboratories

Casting an Agarose Gel

Protocol
Difficulty
intermediate

Steps

1
Seal both ends of gel tray

Apply laboratory or painter's tape to both ends of the gel tray, pressing down firmly along each edge to ensure there are no leaks.

▶ 00:12
2
Insert comb into gel tray

Place the comb into the comb guides on the gel tray at one end, positioning it for DNA sample loading.

▶ 00:58
3
Position tray on level surface

Place the gel tray with comb on a flat and level surface before pouring the agarose.

▶ 01:08
4
Pour agarose into gel tray

Pour the molten agarose (cooled to 55°C) into the gel tray until it reaches 2 to 4 mm below the top of the comb teeth.

▶ 01:21
5
Remove comb from solidified gel

Once the gel is cool and opaque, gently pull the comb straight up and out of the wells to reveal the formed wells.

▶ 01:32
6
Remove tape for immediate use

If using the gel immediately, remove the tape from both ends of the tray and proceed with the activity.

▶ 01:52
7
Store gel for later use

For storage, keep the gel in the gel tray with tape on and store it at 4°C in a small plastic bag.

▶ 02:09
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