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What is intercalating?
In biochemistry, intercalator is a type of molecule that binds to DNA and inserts itself into the DNA structure. Some intercalators are used as treatments for cancer.
What is the role of Ethidium bromide in plasmid isolation?
Ethidium bromide is an intercalator, meaning it inserts itself between the base pairs of DNA. Linear DNA pieces like the genomic DNA fragments bind more ethidium bromide than the circular plasmid DNA. The solution is placed into a tube that is spun extremely fast (roughly 50,000 revolutions per minute) in an ultracentrifuge for about a day. During this time the cesium chloride forms a gradient of lower density at the top of the tube and higher density at the bottom. The genomic and plasmid DNA form tight bands in this gradient. Since the plasmid DNA binds less ethidium bromide it is more dense and is located lower in the tube than the genomic DNA. RNA forms a separate band at the bottom of the tube. These three bands can be visualized by UV light.
