The UV transilluminator works by emitting high levels of UV radiation through the viewing surface. The key application for a UV transilluminator is for visualization of DNA and protein agarose and polyacrylamide gels after electrophoresis.

What does a UV Transilluminator do?

A transilluminator uses an intense source of UV radiation to make visible the fluorescent marker used in electrophoresis gels. The gel is placed on the transilluminator window and is illuminated from below. Ultraviolet radiation is hazardous to both skin and eyes.

Why do you need a UV Transilluminator to observe your DNA bands?

Introduction: UV Transilluminator

This technique is used wherever the researcher needs to be able to view their sample, for example sizing a PCR product, purifying DNA segment after a restriction enzyme digest, quantifying DNA or verifying RNA integrity after extraction.