Localization and direct quantitation of 3H-labeled proteins and RNAs in slab gels by a new detection system

The distribution patterns of 3H-labeled proteins and RNAs in dehydrated polyacrylamide and agarose gels have been recorded with a newly developed instrument: the Linear Analyzer which has a position-sensitive detector that counts a whole gel lane simultaneously. The high sensitivity makes the Linear Analyzer a suitable instrument for direct quantitation of tritium labeled macromolecules in gels without pretreatment by impregnating reagents. The very low detection limit of the Linear Analyzer reduces substantially the time of evaluation in comparison to the relatively long exposure times needed in fluorography. The resolution of radioactivity profiles monitored by the Linear Analyzer reaches the quality attained by fluorography.