6X DNA loading dye recipe
Weighs DNA samples down into the wells and shows run progress with tracking dyes: 30% glycerol, 0.25% bromophenol blue, 0.25% xylene cyanol FF.
🧮 Volume calculator
| Component | Amount | Final concentration (1X) |
|---|---|---|
| Glycerol | 3 mL | 30% |
| Bromophenol blue | 25 mg | 0.25% |
| Xylene cyanol FF | 25 mg | 0.25% |
| Water (distilled) | to final volume |
Steps
- Dissolve the dyes in about 6 mL of water.
- Add glycerol and make up to 10 mL.
- Aliquot and store at 4 °C or −20 °C. Mix 5 parts DNA with 1 part dye.
Good to know
- In 1% agarose (TAE) bromophenol blue runs at about 300–500 bp and xylene cyanol at about 4 kb; choose another dye if they would hide your band.
FAQ
Should it contain EDTA?
Many versions include 10–60 mM EDTA to stop restriction digests.
This is a widely used standard composition. Amounts depend on the hydrate form and purity of your reagents — check the formula weight (FW) on the bottle and follow your institution's safety rules and the manufacturers' instructions.