DNA Quantification by Gel Densitometry with Norgen DNA Ladders

Analytical gel densitometry has become a mainstream technique for quantifying DNA. Unlike other methods such as spectrophotometry and the colorimetric diphenylamine assay, gel analysis provides both qualitative and quantitative assessments of a DNA preparation. A gel picture, for example, provides a wealth of information such as quality of the DNA, and, to a certain extent, the contamination by RNA and proteins. The gel can then be digitized and the image used for quantification. With the availability of hardware for gel imaging and software for data acquisition, as well as standard DNA markers specifically designed for quantification, gel densitometry has become a method of choice by many investigators.