SYBR Green I and the improved sensitivity of the single-cell electrophoresis assay

Abstract

The single-cell electrophoresis (comet) assay is an established method for measuring radiation-induced strand breaks in DNA. The extent of damage is quantified in individual cells by assessing the intensity and distribution of a fluorescent DNA-binding dye using image analysis software. Using the Kinetic Imaging Komet 3 system, it is demonstrated that the fluorochrome SYBR Green I improves the resolution and sensitivity of the comet assay, particularly for measuring radiation-induced double strand breaks.