DC Power Supply

What are they and why do we use them? What types are there?

A DC power supply provides an electrical current for electrophoresis experiments, such as Agarose Gel Electrophoresis and Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis.

There are plenty of types available, but you simply need one capable of outputting up to 200V.

When do you use?

For electrophoresis experiments!

How do you use?

RUN TOWARDS RED. Red is the positive terminal and DNA is negatively charged, so you should always be running your DNA in agarose electrophoresis towards the red terminal. This matters less for SDS-PAGE since both terminals are at the top.

Ensure your black cord is plugged into the negative terminal on power supply and chamber, your red cord is plugged into the red terminal on the power supply and chamber.

Don’t let the DC power supply get wet. Switch off the power supply before lifting out your gel to observe it. Don’t stick your hands into the electrified buffer!