When staining IEF gels with the Colloidal Blue Staining Kit, is it necessary to use the fixing solution?
Yes, the fix serves two purposes: it fixes the sample in the IEF gel and it helps to remove gel background.
If you do not use the fixing solution, the background on the gels will be high and detection will be less sensitive.
High background is caused by ampholytes remaining in the gel.
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When running an IEF gel, is it okay to use just arginine, instead of a mix of arginine and lysine, in the cathode buffer? Does it matter whether the D, L or D/L form of arginine is used?
Yes, you can use just arginine (either form of arginine) as long as the arginine free base form is used and not the hydrochloric form. Note that the lysine used to make the mixed buffer should be free base lysine; free acid lysine should not be used as a substitute. The reason for adding basic amino acids to the cathode buffer is to increase the ionic strength of the buffer in order to fortify the basic end.
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What are the components of the ZOOM IEF Fractionator?
The ZOOM IEF Fractionator includes the following components:
Chamber Assembly Tube with Anode Reservoir
Spill Trough with Cathode Reservoir Lid
Sample Chambers (7)
Sample Chamber O-ring Seals, red (10)
Sample Chamber Caps with O-rings (7)
Cathode End Sealer
Anode End Sealer
Cathode End Screw Cap
Spacers, black (8)
Spares Box 1
Sample Chamber O-ring Seals (8)
Sample Chamber Caps with O-rings (7)
Spares Box 2
Cathode Chamber Seals (2)
Spacers, black (8)
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What are the storage conditions for the ZOOM Disks, ZOOM Carrier Ampholytes, ZOOM Focusing buffers, ZOOM Cathode buffer, IEF Anode buffer, and IEF Cathode buffer?
We recommend storing the ZOOM Disks, ZOOM Carrier Ampholytes, ZOOM Focusing buffers, ZOOM Cathode buffer, IEF Anode buffer, and IEF Cathode buffer at 4 degrees C.
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