A destabilizer, formamide lowers the melting temperature of hybrids thus increasing the stringency of the probe to target binding. Use of this agent with specified hybridization temperatures results in minimal nonspecific hybridization; less optimization of washes is re- quired by the end user.

What is the function of formamide?

Formamide is a constituent of cryoprotectant vitrification mixtures used for cryopreservation of tissues and organs. Formamide is also used as an RNA stabiliser in gel electrophoresis by deionizing RNA. In capillary electrophoresis, it is used for stabilizing (single) strands of denatured DNA.

What is the function of formamide during the gel electrophoresis?

Formamide is a solvent that denatures nucleic acids and proteins and is commonly used to denature RNA before gel electrophoresis. Lehrach H, Diamond D, Wozney JM, Boedtker H. RNA molecular weight determinations by gel electrophoresis under denaturing conditions, a critical reexamination.