Instructions for pouring and running an agarose gel. Use a 0.7 - 1.0% gel for DNA and a 1.5% gel for PCR product. The instructions below are for a 1% gel (instructions for a 1.5% gel are in parentheses).
Combine 1.5 grams of agarose with 150 mL of 1X TBE (use 2.25 grams for a 1.5% gel)
Heat the mixture on the heating block with a stir bar until all of the agarose dissolves or use the microwave in the gel room. If using the microwave, use a 400 mL flask or beaker (the 500 mL flask will not fit in the microwave). It will take 1.5-2 minutes for the agarose to dissolve. Take the flask out every 30 seconds during those 2-3 minutes to swirl/mix. Keep an eye on the flask while it's in the microwave to make sure the gel is not boiling over. Once you see bigger bubbles, you are done. Run the outside of the flask under tap water for about a minute to cool down the gel so that it does not crack the gel rig when pouring.
Carefully add 2-4 uL of ethidium bromide to the mixture (see the MSDS for safety information on ethidium bromide)
Pour the liquid gel into the casting block (with the comb in place) and allow it to cool and solidify (about 20 minutes)
Load samples in the gel before adding 1X TBE buffer, then carefully fill with 1X TBE buffer to the fill line
To make more 1X TBE from 5X TBE: Add 200 mL 5X TBE to 800 mL DI water
Loading 10 uL of DNA ladder is sufficient
Run the gel at a 120-140 constant volts for about 90 minutes (use 160-180 volts for the 1.5% gel for 45-60 minutes)