The thermocycler is locked shut and programmed.
Different types of thermocyclers exist: the black one is a tetrad, in which 4 sets of 96 samples can be run simultaneously. The four smaller white ones each have a 96-well capacity.
Depending on the size of the PCR bands produced and the discrimination needed, band visualisation can be accomplished through either a regular, horizontal, agarose gel or a vertical acrylamide sequencing gel (see next slide). Here, the products are being run on an agarose gel.
The acrylamide gel may be run in either an independent unit or an automatic sequencer.The preparation of the sequencing gel, although somewhat complicated to set up, is similar for both cases. Here, the glass is being cleaned and wiped before preparing the gel for an automatic sequencer.
Glass units are being inserted into the frame, which will be fitted into the sequencer.
The glass units are clamped into place, and the entire unit readied for gel to be poured in.
Liquid acrylamide gel is poured into the mould. Because acrylamide is a carcinogen, safety clothing must be worn.
