Logo image
Visualising DNA in classrooms using Nile Blue
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Visualising DNA in classrooms using Nile Blue

C Milne, Scott Roche and David B McKay
Teaching Science, Vol.54(4), pp.31-33
2008
url
http://www.asta.edu.au/resources/teachingscienceView
Webpage

Abstract

Curriculum and Pedagogy education DNA probes methylene blue gel electrophoresis
Giving students the opportunity to extract, manipulate and visualise DNA molecules enhances a constructivist approach to learning about modern techniques in biology and biotechnology Visualisation usually requires agarose gel electrophoresls and staining. In this article, we report on an alternative DNA stain, Nile Blue A, that may be used In the classroom to visualise DNA. The stain is inexpensive, is at least as sensitive as methylene blue, does not require destaining, requires visualisation with only visible light, and is specific for DNA but not RNA.

Details

Metrics

3 File views/ downloads
608 Record Views
Logo image