protein contamination in DNA electrophoresis - (Apr/26/2006 )

Hi,

I want to know if presence of protein as a contaminant in a DNA solution( for example a plasmid or genomic DNA extract that is relatively unpure) can disrupt its normal migration in agarose gel electrophoresis. If so, how and by what extent? Thanks.

Zaanaa

hi
proteins attached to dna may shift the molecular wight of the DNA.
Mains sign of impurity is sthg like a smear and/or Sample stay in the well.
it's not a proper way to be sure of your results.

What about abnormal shapes in during the migration? For example sometimes I get curved bands instead of straight ones. I am not sure if this is because of protein contamination or something else. I have checked buffer, voltage and these sorts of stuff.