Bio-Rad DCode™ Universal Mutation Detection System - Manual (Page 6)

1.4 Precautions After a Run
• Always turn off power switches and unplug all cables to DC and AC sources. Allow the
heater tube to cool down (approximately 1 minute) before removing it from the tank. The
ceramic tube may be very hot after shut-down. Do not touch the ceramic tube after turn-
ing off the power.
• Do not cool the hot ceramic tube in cool liquids.
• Always store the electrophoresis/temperature control module on the aluminum DCode
lid stand for maximum stability. Caution: the heater tube may be hot after use
1.5 Safety
This instrument is intended for laboratory use only
This product conforms to the “Class A” standards for electromagnetic emissions intend-
ed for laboratory equipment applications. It is possible that emissions from this product may
interfere with some sensitive appliances when placed nearby or in the same circuit as those
appliances. The user should be aware of this potential and take appropriate measures to
avoid interference.
Section 2
Introduction
2.1 Introduction to Mutation Detection Technology
Detecting single base mutations is of utmost importance in the field of molecular genetics.
Screening for deletions, insertions, and base substitutions in genes was initially done by Southern
blotting. Many techniques have been developed to analyze the presence of mutations in a DNA
target. The most common methods include: Single-Strand Conformational Polymorphism
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(SSCP), Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis 2 (DGGE), carbodiimide 3 (CDI), Chemical
Cleavage of Mismatch 4 (CCM), RNase cleavage, 5 Heteroduplex analysis, 6 and the Protein
Truncation Test 7 (PTT). A new technique for mutation detection is Temporal Temperature
Gradient Gel Electrophoresis 8 (TTGE). Bio-Rad reduced this technique to a simple, reproducible
method on the DCode system. TTGE uses a polyacrylamide gel containing a constant con-
centration of urea. During electrophoresis, the temperature is increased gradually and uniform-
ly. The result is a linear temperature gradient over the course of the electrophoresis run. Many
labs used combination of methods to maximize mutation detection efficiency.
The DCode system is a vertical electrophoresis instrument for the detection of gene
mutations. The DCode system can be used to perform any vertical gel-based mutation
detection method. The system is optimized for DGGE, CDGE, TTGE, SSCP, PTT and
Heteroduplex Analysis. Some of the advantages of the DCode system include uniform buffer
temperature around the gel, buffer circulation, buffer temperature runs from 5 to 70 °C and a
modular design to allow customization.
Section 3
Product Description
3.1 Packing List
The DCode system is shipped with the following components. If items are missing or dam-
aged, contact your local Bio-Rad office.
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