Ethidium Bromide
Application Notes
Ethidium bromide is the most commonly used nucleic acid stain for PAGE or agarose gel electrophoresis. The fluorescence of EtBr increases 21-fold upon binding to double-stranded RNA and 25-fold on binding double-stranded DNA so that destaining the background is not necessary with a low stain concentration (10 μg/mL). Ethidium bromide has been used in a number of fluorimetric assays for nucleic acids. It has been shown to bind to single-stranded DNA (although not as strongly) and triple-stranded DNA. Because of its ability to bind to DNA, EtBr is an inhibitor of DNA polymerase.
Usage Statement
Unless specified otherwise, MP Biomedical's products are for research or further manufacturing use only, not for direct human use. For more information, please contact our customer service department.
Key Applications
Fluorometric detection of double stranded nucleic acids in gel electrophoresis
| SKU | 02193993-CF |
| Alternate Names | 2,7-Diamino-10-ethyl-9-phenylphenanthridinium bromide; Homidium bromide; EtBr; 3,8-Diamino-5-ethyl-6-phenylphenanthridinium bromide |
| Application Notes | Ethidium bromide is the most commonly used nucleic acid stain for PAGE or agarose gel electrophoresis. The fluorescence of EtBr increases 21-fold upon binding to double-stranded RNA and 25-fold on binding double-stranded DNA so that destaining the background is not necessary with a low stain concentration (10 μg/mL). Ethidium bromide has been used in a number of fluorimetric assays for nucleic acids. It has been shown to bind to single-stranded DNA (although not as strongly) and triple-stranded DNA. Because of its ability to bind to DNA, EtBr is an inhibitor of DNA polymerase. |
| Base Catalog Number | 193993 |
| Beilstein Registry Number | 3642536 |
| Biochemical Physiological Actions | Ethidium Bromide intercalates double-stranded DNA and RNA and acts as a frameshift mutagen. It also acts as an RNA polymerase inhibitor, and in separation of high molecular weight DNA's. It can also be used in conjunction with acridine orange to differentiate between viable, apoptotic and necrotic cells. |
| CAS # | 1239-45-8 |
| Density | 0.34 g/cm³ |
| EC Number | 214-984-6 |
| Extinction Coefficient | EmM= 0.20-0.5; 285 nm, EmM = 5.0-10.0; 316 nm, EmM = 40.0 (water), EmM= 5.76 (0.66 M glycine buffer)(Lit.) |
| Flash Point | >100 °C |
| Format | Powder |
| Grade | Molecular Biology Grade |
| Hazard Statements | H302-H330-H341 |
| Melting Point | 260-262 deg C (decomposes) |
| Molecular Formula | C21H20N3Br |
| Molecular Weight | 394.316 g/mol |
| Personal Protective Equipment | Eyeshields, Faceshields, Full-face particle respirator, Gloves, Respirator cartridge, Respirator filter |
| Purity | ≥98% |
| RTECS Number | SF7950000 |
| Safety Symbol | GHS06, GHS08 |
| Solubility | Solubility in <a class="pubchem-internal-link CID-8019" href="https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/2-methoxyethanol">2-methoxyethanol</a> is 20 mg/mL; <a class="pubchem-internal-link CID-702" href="https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/ethanol">ethanol</a>, 2 mg/mL |
| Usage Statement | Unless specified otherwise, MP Biomedical's products are for research or further manufacturing use only, not for direct human use. For more information, please contact our customer service department. |
| Vapor Pressure | 1.2X10-12 mm Hg at 25 deg C /Estimated/ |
![MP COA [193993] lot ID: 1220K](https://www.mpbiochina.com/static/version1714032662/frontend/Mpbio/default/en_US/images/document.png "MP COA [193993] lot ID: 1220K")