A VIDEO TECHNIQUE FOR THE QUANTIFICATION OF DNA IN GELS STAINED WITH ETHIDIUM-BROMIDE

We have developed a method for the comparison of quantitative differen ces between nucleic acid samples run on agarose gels. It is useful for the analysis of digested genomic DNA and RNA preparations, as well as for clamped homogeneous electric field gel analysis of damaged chromo somal DNA. The technique utilizes a standard color charge-coupled devi ce video camera, a microcomputer, and commercially available software. While not as elaborate as other image analysis systems, our method is suitable for many purposes and can be set up for a relatively low cos t. In principle, any system capable of recording 24-bit color scans an d measuring pixel color intensity could be used. (C) 1995 Academic Pre ss, Inc.