Troubleshooting 2d gels (2D electrophoresis)

This troubleshooting guide details common problems observed when performing gel electrophoresis and suggests ways in which they can be avoided. (Dr. Tony Dixon, the University of Leeds)

Content:

1. No distinct spots are visible
2. Individual proteins appear as multiple spots
3. Spots are vertically doubled, or 'twinned'
4. Distortion of 2D pattern
5. Horizontal streaking or incorrectly focused spots
6. Horizontal stripes across gel
7. Vertical streaking
8. Vertical gap in 2D pattern
9. Vertical regions of poor focusing
10. Poor representation of higher molecular weight proteins
11. Point streaking
12. Background smear toward bottom of gel
13. Background smear toward top of gel
14. High background in top region of gel

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Last update 27-Sep-2005, Rating n/a of 0 votes.