DNA Content, Cell Cycle Analysis, Nucleated Cells Identification Dyes Chart
| Dye | Excitation | Emission | Function | Benefits | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DRAQ5™ | 488-647 nm | 670 nm | Labels dsDNA |
Binds DNA stoichiometrically for analysis of cell cycle and ploidy. Does not require fixation/ permeabilization. Can be used as a nuclear counterstain for microscopy. Can be used to distinguish nucleated/nonnucleated cells for flow cytometry. |
Broad excitation/ For cell cycle analysis, emission should be collected with far-red filters (780/60) to obtain optimal CVs. For cell cycle analysis, it may be necessary to label cells for a longer period of time and with a higher concentration to obtain optimal CVs. |
| CyTRAK Orange™ | 488-550 nm | 610 nm | Labels dsDNA |
Binds DNA. Does not require fixation/permeabilization. Can be used to distinguish nucleated and nonnucleated cells for flow cytometry. |
Background staining of the cytoplasm may limit its use as a nuclear counterstain in fluorescent microscopy. |
| Propidium Iodide | 488 nm | 617 nm | Labels dsDNA/RNA |
Binds DNA/RNA stoichiometrically for analysis of cell cycle and ploidy. May also be used for live/dead discrimination in flow cytometry. |
For cell cycle analysis or DNA binding, must fix/permeabilize cells. Requires degradation of cellular RNA for DNA/cell cycle analysis. Has a broad emission spectra making it difficult to use in multi-color flow cytometric applications. |
| 7-AAD | 548 nm | 647 nm | Labels dsDNA |
Specifically binds DNA (does not bind to RNA) stoichiometrically for analysis of cell cycle and ploidy. May also be used for live/dead discrimination in flow cytometry. |
For cell cycle analysis or DNA binding, must fix/permeabilize cells. |
