DCode™ Universal Mutation Detection System

DCode™ Universal Mutation Detection System

Overview

The DCode™ universal mutation detection system can scan for single-base changes by using a variety of electrophoretic techniques.

Read full description

Description

Description

DCode Systems

The search for unknown mutations in genomic DNA is important for studying the genetic basis of diseases and disorders, including cancer. Additionally, examining DNA polymorphisms is useful for ecological and evolutionary studies of terrestrial, marine, and microbial organisms, with applications ranging from species identification to delineation of population structure to monitoring genetic diversity.

The DCode universal mutation detection system can scan for single-base changes by any of the following electrophoretic techniques:

  • Single-stranded conformation polymorphism (SSCP)
  • Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE)
  • Constant denaturing gel electrophoresis (CDGE)
  • Temporal temperature gradient gel electrophoresis (TTGE)

Flexible and powerful, the DCode system is the one electrophoresis system that can perform any combination of these techniques. At the center of the system is the temperature control module (which includes a microprocessor-controlled heater, a buffer-recirculating pump, and a stirrer). For techniques requiring accurate temperature control, such as SSCP and TTGE, the gels are immersed in the buffer, and temperatures are regulated between 5° and 70°C. Any run temperature below ambient can be achieved with the cooling tank used in conjunction with an external laboratory chiller. The DCode system can run 64 samples in as little as 2 hours — a major consideration when you're screening DNA for sequence variations.

You can configure your DCode system to grow as your needs grow. Each system includes a vertical electrophoresis cell and choice of adaptor kits for SSCP, DGGE, and CDGE, as well as for TTGE, a technique codeveloped by Bio-Rad. TTGE has all the benefits of DGGE and CDGE without chemical denaturant gradients.

This flexibility lets you quickly add new research tools without investing in new instrumentation. Systems configured for the primary application can be expanded to perform any combination of methods by supplementing the core system with technique-specific adaptor kits listed on the accessories tab. Product options include the complete DCode system and individual DCode systems for DDGE, CDGE, TTGE, and SSCP.

WinMelt™ Software

Mutations are most reliably detected when the sequence difference occurs in the lowest melting-temperature domain of the DNA of interest. In addition, optimal resolution is attained only when the molecules do not completely denature. The addition of a GC clamp onto one end of the DNA via PCR ensures that the region screened is in a lower melting-temperature domain, and that the DNA will remain partially double stranded. This enhances both detection and resolution. Windows-based WinMelt software predicts the melting profile of any DNA sequence up to 3,200 bases. Placement of primers and GC clamps can be optimized by analysis of their effect on the DNA melting profile.

Operation of WinMelt software is simple. The DNA sequence is imported from a text file and the melting profile is computed. The data appear onscreen and can be graphed according to user preference. The sequences and melt data can then be exported for use in other programs. WinMelt software is recommended for all DGGE, CDGE, and TTGE applications.

Electrophoresis and Control Reagents

Bio-Rad electrophoresis reagent kits are customized for each application to ensure the highest-quality buffers and acrylamide. Our control reagents for DGGE, CDGE, TTGE, and SSCP help you quickly master any new techniques.

Applications

Technical notes with proven DCode system run conditions are available. To obtain all DCode system application notes, request literature package 1720J. To obtain DCode application notes on microbial diversity studies, request literature package 1720K.

Training Guide

This self-training guide is an interactive CD-ROM that helps you learn about the techniques used to screen mutations using the DCode system. It includes the following:

  • Principles of DGGE, CDGE, TTGE, and SSCP
  • Videos on setting up and using the DCode system
  • WinMelt software tutorial program, DCode application notes, instruction manual, and other literature

To obtain your self-training guide, request catalog #170-9241. The CD-ROM is PC-compatible only.

Note to D GENE™ Users

All of the DCode adaptor kits are compatible with the D GENE apparatus, with the exception of the SSCP adaptor kit. To run gels below room temperature, place the D GENE system in a coldroom or refrigerator equipped with electrical outlets, and use the temperature controller to set the desired run temperature (see bulletin 1935). The basic SSCP adaptor kit is compatible with the D GENE system, but requires use of a coldroom for electrophoresis below room temperature.

Specifications

Specifications

DCode Universal Mutation Detection System
 
Components
 
Tank, core, and clamps
Tank: molded polycarbonate; core: molded polysulfone; clamps: molded glass-filled polycarbonate
Gradient former
Cast acrylic and aluminum
Lid
Polycarbonate
Electrodes
0.010" diameter platinum
Electrical leads
Flexible, straight
Glass plates
20 x 20 cm (20 cm format inner plate)
Gel sizes
16 x 20 cm (maximum two per run)
Spacers available
0.75, 1.0, 1.5 mm
Combs
16-, 20-, 25-, and 32- (1 mm only) well combs, and 1- well comb (prep comb for perpendicular gradient gels)
Casting stand
Casts two 16 x 16 cm, two 16 x 10 cm, two 16 x 20 cm, or four 7.5 x 10 cm gels per setup
Heater and control
Temperature control (PID type) ±0.5°C variation within gel area, ±0.5°C actual in the range of 45–70°C
Maximum set temperature
70.5°C
DC voltage/power limit
500 V DC voltage limit; 50 W power limit
Size and Weight 
 
Dimensions (W x D x H)
Lid and tank assembly: 39 x 20 x 42 cm
Weight
16 kg (35.3 lb)
Power Requirements
 
AC power requirement
AC power input: 120 VAC 47–63 Hz, 5 A slow-blow fuse
(catalog #170-9080/9083/9086/9089/9092/9095/9098/9102)
DC power requirement
External DC voltage power supply; power supply must be ground isolated in such a way that DC voltage output floats with respect to ground
Maximum voltage limit
500 V DC
Maximum power limit
50 W
Environmental Requirements
 
Storage environment
0–70°C, humidity 0–95% (noncondensing)
Operating environment
0–35°C, humidity 0–95%
Regulatory
Meets requirements of IEC 1010-1 and FCC, Class A
Model 475 Gradient Delivery System
 
Size and weight
22 x 21 cm (W x H); 2.28 kg (5 lb)
Capacity
50 ml total (25 ml/syringe)
WinMelt™ Software
 
System requirements
486 MHz or faster CPU, CD-ROM drive

Ordering

Ordering

items

Use the filters below to refine results!

Image
170-9083_tn.jpg
1709083
120 V, universal mutation detection system, for 10 cm gels with two 1 mm prep wells, includes comb gasket, 2 sets of clamps, Model 475 gradient former with all parts required to cast gradient gels
Image
170-9086_tn.jpg
1709086
120 V, universal mutation detection system, for 16 cm gels with twenty 1 mm wells, includes comb gasket, 2 sets of clamps, Model 475 gradient former with all parts required to cast gradient gels
Image
170-9089_tn.jpg
1709089
120 V, universal mutation detection system, for 16 cm gels with twenty 1 mm wells, includes comb gasket, 2 sets of clamps, control reagents
Image
170-9092_tn.jpg
1709092
120 V, universal mutation detection system, for 20 cm gels with twenty 0.75 mm wells, includes cooling tank adaptor for use with external cooling bath, control reagents

Accessories

Accessories

Image
170-9126_tn.jpg
(Discontinued) DGGE Kit
1709126
Universal mutation detection adaptor kit, for 10 cm gels with two 1 mm prep wells, includes sandwich clamps, pressure clamp, comb gasket and holder, plates, spacers, combs, all required fittings
Image
170-9127_tn.jpg
(Discontinued) CDGE/TTGE Kit
1709127
Universal mutation detection adaptor kit, for 16 cm gels with twenty 1 mm prep wells, includes sandwich clamps, pressure clamp, comb gasket and holder, plates, spacers, combs, all required fittings
Image
170-9042_tn.jpg
1709042
Cam-operated manual gradient former, includes 2 each of 10 ml and 30 ml syringes, all accessories to cast gradient gel, for use with DCode systems
Image
170-9140_tn.jpg
1709140
Pkg of 1, tank with cooling adaptor for hookup to laboratory recirculating chiller, for use with DCode universal mutation detection systems
Image
170-9182_tn.jpg
1709182
Pkg of 1, 1 mm, single well prep comb for use with DCode universal mutation detection systems
Image
170-9185_tn.jpg
1709185
Pkg of 1, 1 mm, 10 cm wide, 2-well prep comb for use in the DGGE DCode universal mutation detection system
Image
170-9199_tn.jpg
1709199
Pkg of 1 pair, spacer, 1 mm, 10 cm wide, grooved for gradient casting, includes middle spacer
Image
170-9200_tn.jpg
1709200
Pkg of 1 pair, spacer, 1.5 mm, 10 cm wide, grooved for gradient casting, includes middle spacer
Image
170-9210_tn.jpg
1709210
Pkg of 1 pair, clamp, 10 cm, for use with DCode universal mutation detection systems
Image
170-9213_tn.jpg
1709213
Pkg of 2, inner glass plate, 10 cm, for use with DCode universal mutation detection systems
Image
170-9214_tn.jpg
1709214
Pkg of 2, outer glass plate, 10 cm, for use with DCode universal mutation detection systems
Image
170-9221_tn.jpg
(Discontinued) DCode Lid Stand
1709221
Pkg of 1, lid stand, for use with DCode universal mutation detection systems
Image
170-9226_tn.jpg
1709226
Pkg of 1, 10 cm, for use in the DGGE DCode universal mutation detection system
Image
170-9230_tn.jpg
1709230
Pkg of 1, holder for use in the DGGE DCode universal mutation detection system
Image
170-9231_tn.jpg
1709231
Pkg of 1, gasket for 0.75 mm and 1 mm combs, for use in the DGGE DCode universal mutation detection system

Kits & Reagents

Kits & Reagents

Image
no_image_view.jpg
1709171
Electrophoresis reagent kit, includes 40% acrylamide/bis (37.5:1), 50x TAE buffer, urea, ethidium bromide, 2x gel loading dye, TEMED, ammonium persulfate
Image
no_image_view.jpg
1709172
Electrophoresis reagent kit, includes 40% acrylamide, 2% bis-acrylamide, glycerol, 10x TBE buffer, glycerol, 2x SSCP 2x gel loading dye, TEMED, ammonium persulfate

Documents

Documents

Number Description Options
4006138
Instruction Manual, WinMelt and MacMelt Software, Rev A
4100103
Instruction Manual, DCode™ Control Reagent Kit for SSCP
M1709080
Instruction Manual, DCode Universal Mutation Detection System, Rev D
2101
DCode System and Accessories, Rev C
2100
DCode Universal Mutation Detection Systems, Reagents, and Accessories Ordering Information, Rev E
2069
DCode Universal Mutation Detection System Brochure, Rev C