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Related Concept Videos

Labeling DNA Probes03:31

Labeling DNA Probes

DNA probes are fragments of DNA labeled with a reporter tag to enable their detection or purification. The resulting labeled DNA probes can then hybridize to target nucleic acid sequences through complementary base-pairing, and may be used to recover or identify these regions.
Radioisotopes, fluorophores, or small molecule binding partners like biotin or digoxigenin, are the most widely used reporter tags for labeling DNA probes. These labels can be attached to the probe DNA molecule via...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 5, 2026

Specific Labeling of Mitochondrial Nucleoids for Time-lapse Structured Illumination Microscopy
07:53

Specific Labeling of Mitochondrial Nucleoids for Time-lapse Structured Illumination Microscopy

Published on: June 4, 2020

Labeling nuclear DNA using DAPI.

Brad Chazotte

    Cold Spring Harbor Protocols
    |January 6, 2011
    PubMed
    Summary

    This study details a protocol for using 4

    Area of Science:

    • Cell Biology
    • Molecular Biology
    • Biochemistry

    Background:

    • Fluorescent stains are crucial for visualizing cell nuclei and chromosomes.
    • Common DNA stains include Hoechst, DAPI, ethidium bromide, propidium iodide, and acridine orange.
    • 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) offers superior photostability compared to Hoechst stains.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To describe a protocol for labeling nuclear DNA using 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI).
    • To enable visualization of cell nuclei and chromosomes in cultured cells.

    Main Methods:

    • Utilizing 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) as a fluorescent stain for DNA.
    • Employing cell permeabilization and/or fixation to allow DAPI entry.
    • Binding of DAPI to the minor groove of double-stranded DNA, with AT-cluster preference.

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    Last Updated: Jun 5, 2026

    Specific Labeling of Mitochondrial Nucleoids for Time-lapse Structured Illumination Microscopy
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    Specific Labeling of Mitochondrial Nucleoids for Time-lapse Structured Illumination Microscopy

    Published on: June 4, 2020

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    Published on: December 22, 2023

    Assessment of Global DNA Double-Strand End Resection using BrdU-DNA Labeling coupled with Cell Cycle Discrimination Imaging
    06:44

    Assessment of Global DNA Double-Strand End Resection using BrdU-DNA Labeling coupled with Cell Cycle Discrimination Imaging

    Published on: April 28, 2021

    Main Results:

    • DAPI binds to double-stranded DNA, increasing fluorescence approximately 20-fold.
    • Successful labeling of nuclear DNA in cultured cells.
    • Enhanced visualization of interphase nuclei and mitotic chromosomes.

    Conclusions:

    • 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) is an effective stain for nuclear DNA.
    • The described protocol facilitates nuclear and chromosomal visualization in cell cultures.
    • DAPI's photostability makes it suitable for extended imaging studies.