Vortexing restriction digests? - (May/05/2006 )

hi All,

Is it ok to vortex a restriction digest reaction after having added the enzyme?

Does the vortexing affect enyzme performance? Or does it affect the DNA? I always thought double stranded DNA was quite stable?

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shouldn't matter...how long are you talkin'???

many people do a quick vortext to mix everything, and then a quick spin to collect everything

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Just a couple of seconds...


Loads of websites, like NEB, that say DO NOT vortex... makes it all sound rather ominous!

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hmmm... wel i vortex at lower speed than for other stuff and briefly. Doesn't think it's a big deal.

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Well, I won't do it unless my advisor asks me to reuse the pipette tips.
We have to understand that restriction enzymes are proteins and vortexing may not be good for them so better avoid and its max 50ul anyway so just go with up and down with pipette 4-5 times and thats enough

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Hey there,

I was told never to vortex enzymes because they don't like it and restriction might fail or be incomplete.
I normally mix by inverting or - if the volume is to low for that - snipping against tube with my fingers an spinning the whole down briefly...

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