1. What is the IDT Concentration Equation?

The IDT concentration equation calculates the concentration of oligonucleotides (oligos) in micromolar (μM) units based on the amount of oligo in nanomoles (nmol) and the resuspension volume in microliters (μL).

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the IDT concentration equation:

Where:

• \( conc \) — Concentration in micromolar (μM)
• \( nmol \) — Amount of oligo in nanomoles
• \( V \) — Resuspension volume in microliters (μL)

Explanation: The equation converts the amount of oligo (nmol) to concentration (μM) by dividing by volume and multiplying by 1000 to account for unit conversion.

3. Importance of Oligo Concentration

Details: Accurate oligo concentration is crucial for molecular biology experiments including PCR, sequencing, and cloning. Proper concentration ensures optimal reaction conditions and reproducible results.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the amount of oligo in nmol (typically provided by IDT) and the resuspension volume in μL. Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why multiply by 1000 in the equation?
A: The factor of 1000 converts nmol/μL to μM, since 1 μM = 1 nmol/mL and 1 mL = 1000 μL.

Q2: What is a typical oligo concentration?
A: Typical working concentrations range from 10-100 μM, depending on the application.

Q3: How should I resuspend my oligo?
A: Use nuclease-free water or TE buffer. The volume depends on your desired concentration and the amount of oligo received.

Q4: Does this work for both DNA and RNA oligos?
A: Yes, the calculation is the same for both DNA and RNA oligonucleotides.

Q5: How accurate is this calculation?
A: The calculation is mathematically precise, but actual concentration may vary slightly due to pipetting errors or incomplete resuspension.