Bio-Rad Image Lab™ Software - Manual (Page 18)

1 | System Overview
18 | Gel Doc EZ Imaging System with Image Lab Software
Image Lab Software Capabilities
Image Lab software runs automated protocols on the Gel Doc EZ system for routine
gel imaging documentation and analysis.
Gel Documentation
Gel electrophoresis is a common way to separate, identify, and purify proteins or
nucleic acids. The Gel Doc EZ system enables you to image and print gel images for
documentation in laboratory notebooks or to export images for publication or
presentation.
Molecular Weight Assessment
Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and
agarose gel electrophoresis are used to separate proteins or nucleic acids
according to their size. Protein or nucleic acid molecular weight standards provide a
reference for estimating the molecular weight of the proteins or nucleic acids being
tested.
Quantification
The components in a sample (bands) are quantified to determine relative amounts of
each component in a sample or to compare the amount of a sample component
relative to a standard. Assessing the purity of a sample requires the quantification of
all components of a sample relative to each other. The results are expressed either
as a percentage of all bands identified (band%) or as a percentage of all signals in
the sample lane (lane%). Determining expression levels of a protein or nucleic acid
requires quantification among samples. Data can be reported as either relative
values, if the quantity is unknown, or as an absolute value, if a standard of known
quantity is present.