Difference Between DAPI and Hoechst
The differences between DAPI and Hoechst are given below:
| Characteristics | DAPI | Hoechst |
| Excitation/Emission | Excitation: UV (358 nm), Emission: blue (~461 nm). | Excitation: UV (350-370 nm), Emission: blue (460-490 nm). |
| Emission Wavelength | Blue | Blue |
| Binding Specificity | Binds specifically to AT-rich regions of DNA. | Binds to AT-rich sequences with high affinity. |
| Cell Permeability | Penetrates cell membranes but has low permeability | Penetrates cell membranes and has high permeability |
| Live-Cell Compatibility | Can be damaging to the live cells | Suitable for the live-cell imaging |
| DNA Specificity | Binds to AT-rich regions of DNA | Binds to DNA minor groove |
| Toxicity | Moderate | Low |
| Applications | Fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, DNA staining | Fluorescence microscopy flow cytometry, DNA staining, live-cell imaging |
| Selectivity | Non-specific to the live or dead cells | Non-specific to the live or dead cells |
| Photobleaching | This can occur over prolonged exposure to light | This can occur over prolonged exposure to light |
| Cost | Generally more affordable. | Usually more expensive. |
Difference Between DAPI and Hoechst
The difference between DAPI and Hoechst lies in their chemical structure and binding properties to DNA. Both of them are blue fluorescent dyes that bind to A/T-rich regions of DNA. DAPI shows a higher binding affinity, while Hoechst dyes offer greater flexibility in staining due to their spectral properties. Both dyes are used to study DNA localization, cell cycle, and genomic organization in biological systems. In this article, we will study the differences between DAPI and Hoechst and some of their similarities.
Table of Content
- What is DAPI?
- What is Hoechst?
- Difference Between DAPI and Hoechst
- Similarities Between DAPI and Hoechst
- Conclusion: Difference Between DAPI and Hoechst
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