Home FAQs Can I use EtBr for staining the microRNA Marker after gel electrophoresis?

FAQ: Can I use EtBr for staining the microRNA Marker after gel electrophoresis?

No. We do not recommend using ethidium bromide (EtBr) for staining the microRNA Marker, since EtBr does not chelate single-stranded RNA molecules well. In general, in order to have good visualization of single-stranded RNA molecules after gel electrophoresis, the gel must be stained using SYBR Gold (available at Life Technologies). In addition, the staining step should be brief, i.e., 1-2 minutes, otherwise the small sized single-stranded RNA molecules of the microRNA Marker will diffuse out of the gel.