RAPD reactions are pre-optimized for use with a wide variety of organisms

For performing DNA profiling experiments using the randomly amplified polymorphic DNA [RAPD (1)] technique. Preformulated, predispensed, single-dose colorless reaction beads are provided as ambient-temperature-stable beads to ensure greater reproducibility between reactions, minimize pipetting steps and reduce the potential for pipetting errors and contamination. RAPD* reactions are simple to perform: Add genomic DNA solution and primer to a tube of RAPD Analysis Beads to a final reaction volume of 25μL and cycle the reaction. Each lot of RAPD Analysis Beads is function-tested to ensure its ability to generate a differential banding pattern between the two control E. coli strains using RAPD Analysis Primer 2 included with the RAPD beads.

illustra Ready-To-Go RAPD Analysis Beads are designed as premixed, predispensed reactions for performing random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis. With RAPD analysis, genomic polymorphisms can be detected at multiple loci, using only nanogram quantities of DNA. The RAPD reactions are provided as room-temperature-stable dried beads, that contain the necessary reagents, except primer, for performing RAPD analysis.

RAPD analysis is a technique for detecting genomic polymorphisms. A single, short oligonucleotide primer of arbitrary sequence is used under low stringency conditions in PCR to generate a reproducible array of strain-specific products that are analyzed by gel electrophoresis. Under these conditions, genomic polymorphisms can be detected at multiple loci using only nanogram quantities of DNA. RAPD analysis has been used in numerous applications, including gene mapping, detection of strain diversity, population analysis, epidemiology and the analysis of phylogenetic and taxonomic relationships (2).

The RAPD reactions are provided as dried beads that contain all the necessary PCR components, except primer, in concentrations optimized for RAPD analysis. Beads are provided in thin-walled 0.5mL tubes compatible with most thermal cyclers. Each package of Ready-To-Go RAPD Analysis Beads contains sufficient reagents for 100 individual RAPD reactions: RAPD analysis beads, control E. coli BL21 DNA, control E. coli C1a DNA, RAPD analysis primer 2, and instruction booklet (DNA from two E. coli strains and RAPD analysis primer 2 are provided as controls to assay the ability of the RAPD beads to amplify DNA and identify polymorphisms).

illustra RAPD Analysis Kit consists of Ready-To-Go RAPD Analysis Beads and six primers that can be used with RAPD Analysis Beads. Each primer is an arbitrary 10-mer designed for use in RAPD analysis. The primers are supplied lyophilized and can be reconstituted with 500 μl of sterile distilled water to give a final concentration of 5 pmol/μl (solubility in cold and hot water).