CometAssay Single Cell Gel Electrophoresis Assay

CometAssay Single Cell Gel Electrophoresis Assay Summary

Key Benefits

• Specially treated slides to promote agarose adherence
• Ready to use low melt agarose (LMAgarose) in convenient size
• Lysis Solution suitable for either alkaline or neutral comet assay
• Optimized electrophoresis conditions

Product Specifications

• Applicable for the analysis of either single- or double-strand DNA breaks
• Study cellular responses to DNA damage
• Screen for inhibitors of DNA repair
• Test chemicals for toxicity
• Screen for environmental mutagens

What is the CometAssay?

The Comet assay, or single cell gel electrophoresis assay, provides a simple and effective method for evaluating DNA damage in cells. The principle of the assay is based upon the ability of denatured, cleaved DNA fragments to migrate out of the nucleoid under the influence of an electric field, whereas undamaged DNA migrates slower and remains within the confines of the nucleoid when a current is applied. Evaluation of the DNA “comet” tail shape and migration pattern allows for assessment of DNA damage. The general Comet assay protocol includes first immobilizing cells in a bed of low melting point agarose, gently lysing the cells, treating cells with neutral or alkali solutions to unwind and denature the DNA as well as hydrolyze sites of damage. DNA is then subjected to electrophoresis and stained with a fluorescent DNA intercalating dye.

Kit Contents

• CometAssay Lysis Solution
• CometAssay LMAgarose
• CometSlides (2 Well, 25 Slides)
• 200 mM EDTA, pH 10

Specifications

Limitations

For research use only. Not for diagnositic use.

Product Datasheets