Research for Answers
300 DNA samples
Strang Cancer Prevention Center
Problem
DNA plays a very important role in cancer prevention research. DNA is constantly analyzed for mutations and mismatch repair genes, which are identified as risks for developing cancer. Our researchers are in constant need of the equipment and chemicals to effectively analyze DNA and to be able to repeatedly conduct tests on DNA in an effort to prevent these mutations from occurring.
The Gift
Your gift will provide analysis of DNA gel samples. Agarose gel electrophoresis is the easiest and commonest way of separating and analyzing DNA. The purpose of the gel might be to look at the DNA, to quantify it or to isolate a particular band. The DNA is visualised in the gel by addition of ethidium bromide. This binds strongly to DNA by intercalating between the bases and is fluorescent meaning that it absorbs invisible UV light and transmits the energy as visible orange light.