1. What is Rapid-Load^TM?

Rapid-Load^TM is a reagent buffer that can be added to PCR mixes BEFORE amplification and when the PCR is done, these samples can be directly loaded on an agarose gel. Rapid-Load^TM contains a high density agent for loading as well as a red dye for tracking of samples by electrophoresis.

2. Is Rapid-Load^TMtoxic?

No. The components in Rapid-Load^TM are not toxic, but the reagent does contain 0.02% sodium azide as a preservative. Therefore, we recommend you follow good laboratory practices by wearing gloves at all times when using this product.

3. Where does Rapid-Load^TM migrate on an agarose gel?

Rapid-Load^TM migrates at 1.4 kb on a 1% agarose gel run with 1X TAE buffer. For gels run with 1X TBE buffer, Rapid-Load^TM migrates at approximately 700 bp.

4. Can I load samples containing Rapid-Load^TM on a polyacrylamide gel?

Yes. PCR reactions containing Rapid-Load^TM can be electrophoresed on polyacrylamide gels. For tracking purposes, the Rapid-Load^TM reagent will migrate at approximately 20 bp on a 10% TBE polyacrylamide gel.

5. Will Rapid-Load^TM interfere with PCR?

Definitely not. We have performed many control experiments to test for any negative effects of Rapid-Load^TM on PCR and have found none so far. Rapid-Load^TM can be used in PCR amplifications using plasmid DNA, transformed bacterial colonies, or genomic DNA.

6. Does Rapid-Load^TM affect downstream applications such as subcloning of PCR products?

We have successfully subcloned PCR products after isolation from agarose gels. At this time we have not tried cloning PCR products directly from the PCR mix.

7. Can I use Rapid-Load^TM in restriction enzyme digests?

We do not reccomend Rapid-Load^TM for this application. The activities of many restriction enzymes are inhibited by the components in Rapid-Load^TM. You can however, add Rapid-Load^TM to the digests after they are complete if you intend to load the digests on an agarose gel for electrophoresis. In this way, Rapid-Load^TM is being used similar to standard DNA gel loading dyes such as bromophenol blue.

8. Does Rapid-Load^TM contain ethidium bromide?

No. Even though Rapid-Load^TM is red in color and appears similar to ethidium bromide, it does not contain this common laboratory reagent.