Why MOPS for RNA gels?

[Jim Astwood]

In article <371sh0$8qe at server.st.usm.edu>, gshearer at whale.st.usm.edu (Glen
Shearer) wrote:

> 
> Just out of curiosity....why does everyone use MOPS
> buffer for RNA gels?  Why not use autoclaved TBE or TAE?
> 
> Also, I recall a note in Biotechniques about leaving out
> the formaldehyde in the gel.  The idea was that the
> formamide/formaldehyde in the sample buffer denatured the RNA
> and it separated fine!  Anybody ever try this?
>  
> Glen

I find that lowering the percentage of formaldehyde in the gel to around 3%
has no deleterious effects, and makes the gel considerably less nausiating.
 Some people add formaldehyde to the tank buffer too, but this is not
needed at all. 

Jim
-- 
James D. Astwoood          
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