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| Product Name | X-Gal for molecular biology |
| Manufacturer | Gold Biotechnology |
| Appearance | White to off-white powder |
| Solubility | Soluble in DMSO, DMF, and DMA |
| Storage Conditions | Store at -20°C, protect from light |
| CAS Number | 7240-90-6 |
| Molecular Formula | C14H15BrClNO6 |
| Molecular Weight | 408.63 g/mol |
| Purity | ≥99% (HPLC) |
| Usage | Used as a substrate for β-galactosidase detection in molecular biology |
| Applications | Blue/white screening of recombinant colonies, identification of lacZ gene expression |
| Handling Precautions | Avoid contact with skin and eyes, use in a well-ventilated area |
FAQ
What is X-Gal and what is its role in molecular biology?
X-Gal, also known as 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl beta-D-galactopyranoside, is a chromogenic substrate used in molecular biology to detect the activity of beta-galactosidase enzyme. When X-Gal is cleaved by beta-galactosidase, it produces a blue precipitate allowing for the visualization of the enzyme activity.
How is X-Gal used in molecular biology experiments?
X-Gal is commonly used in molecular biology experiments to detect the expression of beta-galactosidase in recombinant DNA constructs. By incorporating X-Gal into growth media or agar plates, researchers can identify bacterial colonies that contain a functional beta-galactosidase gene based on the blue coloration produced upon cleavage of X-Gal.
What are the advantages of using X-Gal in molecular biology research?
One of the key advantages of using X-Gal in molecular biology research is its simplicity and effectiveness in detecting beta-galactosidase activity. The blue coloration produced by X-Gal cleavage provides a visual indicator of gene expression, allowing researchers to quickly screen for positive clones in recombinant DNA experiments. Additionally, X-Gal is stable and easy to use, making it a popular choice for molecular biology assays.
Are there any limitations to using X-Gal in molecular biology experiments?
While X-Gal is a widely-used and reliable substrate for detecting beta-galactosidase activity, there are some limitations to consider. One of the main drawbacks of X-Gal is its sensitivity to light, which can lead to degradation of the substrate and false-positive results. Additionally, X-Gal may not be suitable for certain applications where other chromogenic substrates with different colorimetric properties are required.
What are some alternative substrates to X-Gal for detecting beta-galactosidase activity?
There are several alternative substrates to X-Gal that can be used for detecting beta-galactosidase activity in molecular biology experiments. For example, X-Gluc (5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl beta-D-glucuronic acid) and ONPG (o-nitrophenyl-beta-D-galactopyranoside) are commonly used substrates that produce different colorimetric reactions upon cleavage by beta-galactosidase. Researchers may choose alternative substrates based on the specific requirements of their experiments and the desired colorimetric properties.
X-Gal, also known as 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl beta-D-galactopyranoside, is a chromogenic substrate used in molecular biology to detect the activity of beta-galactosidase enzyme. When X-Gal is cleaved by beta-galactosidase, it produces a blue precipitate allowing for the visualization of the enzyme activity.
How is X-Gal used in molecular biology experiments?
X-Gal is commonly used in molecular biology experiments to detect the expression of beta-galactosidase in recombinant DNA constructs. By incorporating X-Gal into growth media or agar plates, researchers can identify bacterial colonies that contain a functional beta-galactosidase gene based on the blue coloration produced upon cleavage of X-Gal.
What are the advantages of using X-Gal in molecular biology research?
One of the key advantages of using X-Gal in molecular biology research is its simplicity and effectiveness in detecting beta-galactosidase activity. The blue coloration produced by X-Gal cleavage provides a visual indicator of gene expression, allowing researchers to quickly screen for positive clones in recombinant DNA experiments. Additionally, X-Gal is stable and easy to use, making it a popular choice for molecular biology assays.
Are there any limitations to using X-Gal in molecular biology experiments?
While X-Gal is a widely-used and reliable substrate for detecting beta-galactosidase activity, there are some limitations to consider. One of the main drawbacks of X-Gal is its sensitivity to light, which can lead to degradation of the substrate and false-positive results. Additionally, X-Gal may not be suitable for certain applications where other chromogenic substrates with different colorimetric properties are required.
What are some alternative substrates to X-Gal for detecting beta-galactosidase activity?
There are several alternative substrates to X-Gal that can be used for detecting beta-galactosidase activity in molecular biology experiments. For example, X-Gluc (5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl beta-D-glucuronic acid) and ONPG (o-nitrophenyl-beta-D-galactopyranoside) are commonly used substrates that produce different colorimetric reactions upon cleavage by beta-galactosidase. Researchers may choose alternative substrates based on the specific requirements of their experiments and the desired colorimetric properties.
