Specifications Table
Product Name – 5-BROMO–4-CHLORO-3-INDOLYL-ß-D-GALCTOPYRANOSIDE
Quantity/Pack Size – 25 mg, 100 mg, 1 g
Form – Solid (Powder)
Grade – 99% (Molecular Biology)
Application – Blue-white screening, β-galactosidase assays, recombinant DNA detection
Product Overview
5-Bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl-β-D-galactopyranoside (X-Gal) is a high-purity chromogenic substrate designed for molecular biology applications requiring precise β-galactosidase detection. This 99% pure compound undergoes enzymatic hydrolysis by β-galactosidase, producing an insoluble blue precipitate (5,5′-dibromo-4,4′-dichloro-indigo) that enables clear visual identification in blue-white screening protocols. The substrate is highly stable under recommended storage conditions but is light-sensitive, necessitating protection from prolonged exposure to avoid degradation. Its molecular structure ensures minimal background interference, making it ideal for cloning workflows where accuracy is critical. The powder form allows for flexible preparation of working solutions, compatible with standard agar or broth-based media. Rigorous quality control ensures batch-to-batch consistency, eliminating variability in experimental results. As a non-toxic alternative to other indolyl substrates, X-Gal provides reliable performance without compromising cell viability, though standard lab safety practices should still be followed during handling.
FAQs
1. How should X-Gal be stored to maintain its stability?
Store the powder in a tightly sealed container at -20°C, protected from light and moisture. Prepared solutions should be used immediately or stored at 4°C for short-term use, though fresh preparation is recommended for optimal results.
2. What is the recommended working concentration for X-Gal in agar plates?
A final concentration of 40–80 µg/mL is typically used for blue-white screening. Dissolve the powder in dimethylformamide (DMF) or N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMA) at 20–40 mg/mL as a stock solution before adding to cooled agar.
3. Is X-Gal compatible with all bacterial strains used in cloning?
X-Gal is effective in most E. coli strains carrying the lacZα gene, such as DH5α or JM109. However, strains with mutations in the lac operon or altered β-galactosidase activity may require optimization of conditions.
4. What alternatives exist if X-Gal yields weak blue color development?
Alternatives like Bluo-Gal or Magenta-Gal may be tested if color intensity is insufficient, though these substrates have different solubility and stability profiles. Adjusting incubation time or temperature can also enhance signal strength.
5. Can X-Gal be used in liquid assays, or is it limited to solid media?
While primarily used in agar plates, X-Gal can be adapted for liquid assays by monitoring absorbance at 600–620 nm after hydrolysis. However, the insoluble blue precipitate may require filtration or centrifugation for accurate quantification.