Sensitive and versatile method for measuring single- and double-strand DNA breaks in individual cells.Exposure of cells to oxidative and environmental stresses frequently results in the breakdown or oxidation of genomic DNA. Assays to evaluate the integrity of genomic DNA, or to assess the presence of oxidized DNA are frequently used as a means of verifying the onset of apoptosis or DNA damage. The Assay Designs COMET SCGE Assay measures DNA damage by fluorescently detecting the integrity of DNA liberated from cells embedded in low melting point agarose. Upon electrophoresis, fragmented DNA produces a characteristic “comet” shaped tail as small DNA fragments migrate in the gel more rapidly than in-tact genomic DNA.
The COMET SCGE Assay is a fast and simple electrophoresis method to detect and quantitate DNA fragmentation in cells associated with DNA damage and apoptosis. A unique nucleic acid stain provides improved sensitivity for DNA visualization compared to ethidium bromide.
- Ready-to-use Comet Slides allow direct application of sample without pretreatment
- Shorter assay time allows for higher throughput sample analysis
- Hydrophobic barrier allows sample treatment with DNA repair enzymes
- Unique nucleic acid stain provides improved sensitivity for DNA visualization compared to ethidium bromide