I received several helpful answers to my query about the feasibility of
using agarose gels for isozyme analysis by undergraduates. Below is a
synopsis.
Thanks to all for your help! Dave Robinson, Bellarmine College
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"The FMC company markets supplies for agarose gel electrophoresis of
proteins. I have tried it with first year bio students and the
separations were adequate. They sent me an article on using "safe gels"
with students: Atkins, T. 1991. Protein electrophoresis in the biology
classroom using "safe" gels. American Biology Teacher, 53:490-495."
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Several responses advocated horizontal starch gels as the best system to
use in spite of the more elaborate preparation. Agarose gels just may not
be discriminating enough for allozymes.
See: Isozymes in Plant Genetics and Breeding, Tanksley and Orton.
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Another mentioned cellulose acetate as a safe, easy option.
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Another mentioned agarose gels impregnated with CMC and staining for
cellulase.
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