Dye to colour DNA samples for PCR

[Shiao Y. Wang]

Ciaran Meghen (cmeghen at mail.tcd.ie) wrote:
: Does anyone know of a biologically inert dye for colouring DNA samples used
: in PCR ?  I have tried using a 1:1500 dilution of the food colouring
: 'Brilliant Blue' but this has drastically reduced PCR yields.  Suggestions
: very welcome. 

We have been doing PCR with 0.1 mM cresol red final conc directly in the PCR
reaction mixture. One mM tartrazine will also work but the yellow color is
more difficult to see.

Shiao Wang
University of Southern Mississippi