Plasmid Isolation/DNA Electrophoresis What is the purpose of Elution Solution?

What is the purpose of using elution solution vs water in the process of DNA plasmid isolation? will there be a difference when putting the plasmid solution through an electrophoresis gel? why?Plasmid Isolation/DNA Electrophoresis What is the purpose of Elution Solution?
Elution solutions differ according to what DNA isolation kit you are using. Generally, though, they have fancy names but are very simple soultions. Mostly, they include a buffer (Tris-HCl, 10mM), a bit of salt (NaCl and MgCl2) and, in some cases, EDTA (1mM).


These solutions are supposed to stabilize the DNA eluted from the column. In my experience, however, if the DNA is clean and kept at -20C, elution with water is absolutely fine. Moreover, some reactions (like ligation, for example) may be inhibited by a high concentration of salt and by the presence of EDTA, which is a metal chelator and likely to ';steal'; the MgCl2 (neede by the ligase).





I would elute with clean sterile and DNAse-free water. I have done so for many years with no problems whatsoever!