Sequencing

Biochemistry Biotechnology Facility (bbf@iupui.edu)
Wed, 22 Apr 1998 15:11:35 -0500

Dear ABRF recepient, I just started DNA sequencing using ABI 377 sequencer
and I have a few questions.
(1) I have seen a blue curtain three times at the very end of the gel.When I
talked to ABI they gave me three reasons that can cause this.

a) That the buffer might have leaked from the upper chamber and caused this
problem
b) That this might occur due to ions on the plates.
c) Make a fresh formamide for denaturing.
Since then I have been cleanining the plates with hot water using Alconox
powder. I rinse them very well with hot water and deionized water.All these
gels I have experienced a blue curtain, there was no buffer leak from the
upper chamber.I have made fresh formamide also trying to eradicate the
problem.Is this a problem to a lot of people and if so what have you done to
solve this problem?.I will be very glad to for any thoughts.

Thank very much
Reuben Njau
Indiana University School of Medicine
Indianapolis, IN
rnjau@iupui.edu OR
rnjau@wpo.iupui.edu