In the fast-paced field of biotechnology and genetics, custom DNA oligonucleotides, or oligos, are essential reagents. If you’re new to your research path or are considering how contemporary genetics is analyzed, it’s necessary to understand what DNA oligos would represent. These short stretches of DNA are the building blocks of many molecular biology applications, including PCR and cloning, gene editing, and diagnostics.
Now, let’s discuss the ordering of custom DNA oligos. However, for most beginners, selecting “tubes” is both the easiest and most reasonable format.
This article will cover in detail what custom DNA oligos in tubes are, how they are made, and where they can be used.
What are Custom DNA Oligos?
Custom DNA oligos are short, single-stranded DNA molecules synthesized to a user-specified sequence. They may be tailored to fit any preferred sequence and are suitable for all types of laboratory tests. Researchers usually order them from specialized manufacturers that synthesize the oligos according to set quality standards.
These oligos are used for a multitude of applications, such as:
PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction): Oligos serve as primers to amplify specific regions of DNA.
Sequencing: Oligos are used to initiate the sequencing process by binding to targeted areas of the genome.
Gene editing: Oligos are used in some tools, such as CRISPR, to guide enzymes to specific DNA targets.
Diagnostics: Finding mutations or pathogens using short DNA probes
What makes these oligos “custom” is that scientists can order them with any desired nucleotide sequence and include modifications like fluorescent labels or protective groups, according to the application.
Why DNA Oligos Come in Tubes
When ordering custom DNA oligos, you have the option of a delivery format—tubes or plates. For most individual users or smaller-scale projects, the standard is oligos in tubes.
In this format, each DNA oligo is shipped in a microcentrifuge tube with a clear label. This arrangement is especially user-friendly for beginners, as it simplifies handling, storage, and identification. Tubes work best when dealing with a handful of sequences, and high-throughput processing is unnecessary.
Usually, each tube contains the lyophilized (freeze-dried) form of the oligo. The user rehydrates the oligo in a specified volume of water or buffer before use. The oligo’s sequence, concentration, and order ID are often printed onto the label of each tube, making it easy to keep track of inventory.
Getting your oligo in a tube also helps to reduce the risk of cross-contamination and ensures accuracy in sensitive experiments. Unlike plates, which are often used in automated, high-volume settings, tubes are more suited for manual lab work and provide more flexibility for small-scale experiments.
Key Takeaway
DNA oligos in tubes are handy laboratory tools for new scientists in the field of recombinant DNA technology. They provide an easy, low-risk introduction to synthetic DNA without the complications associated with high-throughput systems. Knowing what these oligos are there in the first place and why the tubes are commonly the most convenient for researchers gives you the confidence to learn how to get started in your experiments. So, whether you’re getting started with PCR, sequencing, or diagnostics, tubes of custom DNA oligos will give you the exact, no-nonsense features every new researcher is looking for.
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