1. What is DNA Dilution?

DNA dilution is the process of reducing the concentration of a DNA sample by adding a diluent (usually TE buffer or water). This is commonly done to prepare samples for PCR, sequencing, or other molecular biology applications.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the dilution formula:

Where:

• Initial Concentration — Original DNA concentration (ng/µL)
• Initial Volume — Volume of DNA sample used (µL)
• Final Volume — Total volume after dilution (µL)

Explanation: The formula calculates the new concentration after diluting a specific volume of DNA to a larger total volume.

3. Importance of DNA Dilution

Details: Proper DNA dilution is crucial for accurate quantification, preventing PCR inhibition, and ensuring optimal DNA amounts for downstream applications.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter initial concentration in ng/µL, initial volume in µL, and final desired volume in µL. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the best diluent for DNA?
A: TE buffer (10 mM Tris, 1 mM EDTA) is ideal as it stabilizes DNA. Nuclease-free water can also be used for short-term storage.

Q2: How much should I dilute my DNA?
A: For PCR, typical working concentrations are 1-10 ng/µL. For sequencing, follow your platform's specific recommendations.

Q3: Does dilution affect DNA quality?
A: Proper dilution doesn't affect quality, but excessive dilution may lead to DNA degradation if not stored properly.

Q4: How accurate is this calculation?
A: The calculation is mathematically precise, but pipetting accuracy and sample mixing affect real-world results.

Q5: Can I use this for RNA dilution?
A: Yes, the same formula applies, but RNA is more labile so use RNase-free conditions and buffers.