Protein ladders
Protein ladders are an indispensable tool used in molecular biology, specifically in protein electrophoresis applications such as western blotting, to provide a visible reference for estimating the molecular weight of proteins. These ladders consist of a mixture of different proteins with known sizes, which are pre-stained to appear as distinct bands when separated on a gel. We offer a wide range of protein ladders that are designed for accuracy, ease of use, and compatibility with a wide range of gel electrophoresis and western blotting systems.
Composition and preparation
Protein ladders are composed of a set of recombinant or purified proteins, which are pre-stained using high-contrast colored dyes. These proteins are selected to cover a broad range of molecular weights, ensuring the ladder is suitable for most protein samples.Our protein ladders are available in ready-to-use formats, requiring no boiling or additional preparation, facilitating a seamless workflow.
Features and benefits
Broad range of molecular weights
Covering from as low as 10 kDa up to 245 kDa, our protein ladders ensure compatibility with a vast array of protein sizes.
High visibility
Pre-stained with vibrant, differently colored dyes for easy identification of bands during electrophoresis and transfer processes.
Ease of use
Ready-to-use format that speeds up the experimental setup with no requirement for additional preparation.
Compatibility
Suitable for use with all standard SDS-PAGE and Western blotting protocols, including those using different types of membranes like PVDF or nitrocellulose.
Precision
High degree of accuracy in molecular weight estimation, helping researchers analyze protein expression efficiently.
Stability and storage
Our protein ladders are stable for up to 24 months when stored at -20°C. They can be used multiple times, retaining high intensity and sharpness of bands for consistent performance across experiments.
Applications and use cases
Protein ladders are used extensively in:
Routine SDS-PAGE
For assessing the quality and quantity of protein samples before further analysis.
Western blotting
Acts as a crucial reference that helps in determining the molecular weight of unknown proteins, comparing the size of proteins across different samples, and confirming the successful transfer of proteins from the gel to the membrane.
Quality control in protein purification
Essential for verifying the size of purified proteins, ensuring that the purification process yields the correct protein.
Instructional use
Often used in educational settings to demonstrate principles of protein electrophoresis and western blotting.
FAQ
What range of protein sizes do Abcam’s protein ladders cover?
We offer protein ladders for different molecular weight marker ranges. Our extra-broad protein ladder ab313996 covers a range from 3 kDa to 260 kDa, catering to most laboratory needs for protein size estimation.
How should I store the protein ladder, and what is its shelf life?
The protein ladder should be stored at -20°C and is stable for up to 24 months under these conditions. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles to maintain the ladder’s performance. Please refer to the product datasheet for more storage and stability details.
Can I use the protein ladder with non-SDS PAGE applications?
While our protein ladders are optimized for SDS-PAGE and western blotting, they may be compatible with other electrophoresis applications depending on the specific requirements. It is advisable to check compatibility for non-standard applications.
Are the bands in the protein ladder visible during both electrophoresis and transfer?
Yes, the protein ladder’s bands are designed to be clearly visible during both the electrophoresis and transfer stages of western blotting, facilitating easy tracking of protein separation and transfer efficiency.
Using our protein ladders can significantly enhance the precision and efficiency of protein analyses, making them a vital component of any molecular biology toolkit.