What does DRAQ5 stain for?

Understanding DRAQ5 Stain

DRAQ5 is a far-red fluorescent DNA dye that is widely used in the field of cell biology and optical engineering for various applications, including cell cycle analysis, cell viability assays, and as a general nuclear counterstain in fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. Unlike many other DNA-binding dyes, DRAQ5 is permeant to live cells, allowing for live-cell imaging applications.

Key Features of DRAQ5

  • It has a high affinity for DNA, providing strong and specific nuclear staining.
  • DRAQ5 is compatible with a wide range of excitation sources, including 633 nm and 647 nm lasers, making it versatile for different imaging systems.
  • It can be used in combination with other fluorescent probes and dyes without significant spectral overlap, allowing for multiplex assays.
  • Due to its ability to penetrate live cells, DRAQ5 enables real-time studies of cell dynamics and morphology.

Applications of DRAQ5

DRAQ5's unique properties make it suitable for a variety of applications:

  • Cell Cycle Analysis: By quantifying DNA content, researchers can determine the distribution of cells across different phases of the cell cycle.
  • Cell Viability Assays: DRAQ5 can be used to assess cell viability and apoptosis by examining nuclear morphology.
  • Fluorescence Microscopy: As a nuclear counterstain, DRAQ5 enhances the contrast in fluorescence microscopy, facilitating the visualization of cellular structures.
  • Flow Cytometry: It is used in flow cytometry for enumerating and analyzing cell populations based on DNA content.

Overall, DRAQ5 is a powerful tool in the arsenal of cell biologists and optical engineers, offering flexibility and specificity for studying cellular processes and structures.

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