Parameters of field inversion gel electrophoresis for the analysis of pox virus genomes

The effects of variation in the lengths of forward and reverse pulses, voltage gradient, gel concentration and gel temperature on the mobility of DNA molecules in agarose gels during field inversion gel electrophoresis (FIGE) have been determined. A curve, which best fits the empirical data, is presented and allows the choice of pulse conditions and voltage gradient most suitable for the resolution of molecules of chosen size. The use of FIGE in the analysis and direct mapping of large virus genomes is illustrated using vaccinia virus DNA.