Simple agarose gel electrophoretic method for the identification and characterization of plasmid deoxyribonucleic acid

Abstract

Argarose gel electrophoresis may be employed effectively for the detection and preliminary characterization of plasmid DNA present in clinical isolates and laboratory strains of gram-negative bacteria. The method is sensitive and does not require radioisotopes or ultracentrifugation. The estimation of plasmid mass from the extent of DNA migration in gels compares favorably with results obtained by EM of plasmid DNA purified by equilibrium density centrifugation. The method is a useful tool for survey work and the epidemiological investigation of plasmid dissemination and an important adjunct to the genetic analysis of plasmids.