Question

what purpose does the ethidium bromide serve? why should you always avoid contact with this compound?

Answer 1

Ethidium bromide is commonly used to visualize DNA in agarose gel electrophoresis experiments. It intercalates between the nitrogenous bases of DNA and fluoresces under UV light. Loading buffer is added in electrophoresis sample to give it color and density.

We should always avoid contact with ethidium bromide because it can bind with DNA, and it is highly toxic as a mutagen. It may have carcinogenic or teratogenic effects. Ethidium bromide can be exposed in our body by inhalation, ingestion, and skin absorption.