Gel Electrophoresis Systems

Gel Electrophoresis Systems

The COMET single cell gel electrophoresis systems are designed specifically for single cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE). Comet Assays are used to detect and quantify DNA damage and repair within individual cells in genetic toxicology and carcinogenesis studies.

Overview of Comet Assay:

1. Cells exposed to genotoxic insults such as ã -irradiation
2. Cells with damaged DNA, having SSBs/DSBs, are embedded on an agarose coated slide and lysed
3. Following electrophoresis and fluorescent staining, the damaged DNA is seen to have migrated away from the intact DNA (the "head") to form a comet "tail"

Benefits include:

• Available in 4 formats - to accommodate 10, 20, 40 and 80 standard microscope slides respectively
• Opaque ebony acrylic tank and lid - provide ideal protection for techniques requiring light-sensitive stains or samples
• Cooled central platform - provides a convenient surface for slide preparation in addition to maintaining slide temperature during pre-incubation and electrophoresis
• Cooling ports - can be connected to the JULABO chiller unit: to prevent overheating during SCGE/Comet assays, typically performed at high current settings over 300mA; and to inhibit DNA repair enzyme activity by maintaining the slide temperature at 4°C, either during preparation and mounting or pre-incubation and electrophoresis
• Buffer recirculation ports - can be connected to a peristaltic pump to maintain buffer circulation, preventing ion gradient formation
• Colour-coded handles - corresponding to the anode and cathode - serve as a visual aid to ensure that the slides are positioned in the correct polar orientation for the assay

Ordering information:

Replacement Parts & Accessories