The invention provides novel electrophoretic methods for high-resolution separation
and high-sensitivity detection of nucleic acids. The methods involve the use of
a high-resolution buffer and a counter-migrating high-affinity intercalating dye
in an electrophoresis system to achieve superior separation and detection of nucleic
acids. A kit for separation and detection of nucleic acids in a sample by electrophoresis
is also provided. The kit comprises a gel buffer containing a high-resolution intercalating
dye with a resolution of at least 2.0 between the 271-bp and 282-bp X 171
HAIII nucleic acid fragments nucleic acid fragments; and a high-affinity intercalating
dye having a positive charge and DNA affinity constant of at least 106M-1.
