agarose gel electrophoresis - (Apr/08/2011 )

hello everybody i am facing a problem in visualization of DNA Bands on 0.8% agarose gel
After extracting DNA from whole blood,I resolved DNA on 0.8% agarose gel stained with ethidium bromide.After resolving,I visualized clear bands under UV light.Then I stored the gel in 1X TAE Buffer.After a period of 2 hours,bands disappeared.Can anyone please suggest me how to store agarose gel for atleast one day with intact bands?

Amrita,

How much TAE are you storing your gels in? I think you should be able to store it at 4oC (in a cling film with a little TAE) for a day. What do u need the bands for? Its intact DNA. Cant you use it from the tube directly ?

I'd store it wet (adding a bit buffer, to avoid drying), in plastic bag or box. But not submerged in buffer. And keep it dark and cool, if longer storage is needed. Also with time bands will become more diffuse.

I'll bet if you re-stain the gel, the bands will be fine...