Difference Between Agarose and Polyacrylamide

Agarose vs Polyacrylamide

There are various differences relating to agarose and polyacrylamide, including their physical structure, toxicity and their pouring methods, as well as their price. It is useful to know these differences, as well as their similarities, if you are dealing with either of these types of gels.

One of the main differences between these two gels, is that agarose is poured horizontally, while polyacrylamide is poured vertically. It is far easier to pour agarose in this horizontal manner. Agarose can be heated to aid the pouring process, although, it should not be heated to such an extensive degree that the agarose ends up melting. One can also decide whether to use narrow or wide lanes to pour the agarose. It can be poured by using this grooving method, and this is one of its advantages. While pouring, one should be extremely careful, as agarose is very delicate and can easily break.

On the other hand, as mentioned, polyacrylamide is poured vertically. Polyacrylamide needs glass plates to help with this process, as its structure is very thin, and this additional support is necessary. Unlike agarose, polyacrylamide cannot be re-heated and then poured.

Agarose consists of many molecules, while polyacrylamide generally consists of just one large molecule. The molecules of agarose are held together by intermolecular forces, and the molecules are made up of DNA. There are large and small molecules, and generally, the larger molecules are more easily separated than the smaller ones. The molecule of polyacrylamide is made up of DNA or protein. The gaps between the gels of polyacrylamide are smaller than those between the gels of agarose, which is another difference between these two substances. Where the size of the bands are the same in agarose, there are various band sizes in polyacrylamide. If the polyacrylamide molecule is exposed to air, it will not solidify in an even manner, as air fastens the polymerization process.

As for toxicity, agarose is regarded as a non-toxic substance. While polyacrylamide is regarded as the same, its powder is considered to be toxic, and it is wise to even handle the gels with protective measures.

Polyacrylamide is used for sequencing gels and protein gels. Its advantages are that it has easy staining properties and it can be dried to form a gel. It is bought pre-poured, and is less expensive than agarose, at about $5 ‘“ 7 per gel. (Agarose is about $1 per gram). A person is recommended to have sufficient experience before purchasing either of these two gels, as often, the number of samples required and the concentration of the gel needed, must be known prior to any purchase.

Summary:

1.Agarose is poured horizontally, while polyacrylamide is poured vertically.
2.Agarose is more expensive than polyacrylamide.
3.Agarose consists of many molecules, while polyacrylamide consists of only one large molecule.
4.Unlike polyacrylamide, agarose can be re-heated.
5.Agarose is considered as a non-toxic substance in all its forms, while the powder of polyacrylamide is determined to be toxic.

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