DNA Ligation
Ligation of DNA is a critical step in many modern molecular biology workflows. The sealing of nicks between adjacent residues of a single-strand break on a double-strand substrate and the joining of double-strand breaks are enzymatically catalyzed by DNA ligases. The formation of a phosphodiester bond between the 3' hydroxyl and 5' phosphate of adjacent DNA residues proceeds in three steps: Initially, the ligase is self-adenylated by reaction with free ATP. Next, the adenyl group is transferred to the 5'-phosphorylated end of the "donor" strand. Lastly, the formation of the phosphodiester bond proceeds after reaction of the adenylated donor end with the adjacent 3' hydroxyl acceptor and the release of AMP. In living organisms, DNA ligases are essential enzymes with critical roles in DNA replication and repair. In the lab, DNA ligation is performed for both cloning and non-cloning applications.
Choose Type:
- Ligation Protocol with T4 DNA Ligase (M0202)
- Electroporation Protocol (C2989)
- NEBNext Quick Ligation Module Protocol (E6056)
- Removal of Single-Stranded Extension Protocol using Mung Bean Nuclease (M0250)
- Transformation Protocol (M0367)
- Transformation Protocol (M0370)
- Ligation Protocol for Cloning with Instant Sticky-end Ligase Master Mix (M0370)
- Ligation Protocol for Cloning with Blunt/TA Ligase Master Mix (M0367)
- Protocol for ssDNA/RNA Ligation (M0319)
- Optimizing Restriction Endonuclease Reactions
- Ligation Protocol with T3 DNA Ligase (M0317)
- Ligation Protocol with T7 DNA Ligase (M0318)
- E. coli DNA Ligase Protocol (M0205)
- Protocol for 9°N DNA Ligase (M0238)
- Protocol for Taq DNA Ligase (M0208)
- Double Digest Protocol with Standard Restriction Enzymes
- Please see manual (NEB #E7445) for protocols
- Protocol for the Quick Blunting Kit (E1201)
- HiFi Taq DNA Ligase (M0647) Protocol
- DNA Ligase Brochure
- Molecular Cloning Technical Guide
- Reagents & Tools for Molecular Cloning brochure
- Properties of DNA and RNA Ligases
- Troubleshooting Guide for Cloning
- Troubleshooting Guide for Ligases
- Troubleshooting Tips for Ligation Reactions
- Tips for Maximizing Ligation Efficiencies
- Traditional Cloning Quick Guide
Brochures
Selection Tools
Troubleshooting Guides
Usage Guidelines
While NEB develops and validates its products for various applications, the use of this product may require the buyer to obtain additional third party intellectual property rights for certain applications.
For more information about commercial rights, please contact NEB's Global Business Development team at [email protected].
This product is intended for research purposes only. This product is not intended to be used for therapeutic or diagnostic purposes in humans or animals.
Videos
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DNA Ligase Fidelity: when does it matter?
High fidelity polymerases are everywhere—but why would you need a high fidelity ligase? And what do we even mean by “fidelity” when we’re talking about ligation? In this webinar, NEB Scientist and ligase expert Greg Lohman discusses mismatch ligation by DNA ligases and the molecular diagnostics applications that depend on the use of high-fidelity DNA ligases like NEB’s HiFi Taq DNA Ligase to detect single base differences in DNA.
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DNA Ligation
Ligation, the process of joining DNA fragments with a DNA ligase, proceeds in three steps. Learn more about the function of ligation with our quick tutorial animation.
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How do I choose the best DNA Ligase?
NEB continues to develop and produce the most extensive commercially available selection of high-quality, and performance-optimized DNA ligases and ligase master mixes for your ligation needs.
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What molar ratios should I use for DNA Ligation?
The optimal reactant ratio is contingent upon the downstream application.
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Why do I need to add PEG to my DNA ligation?
Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is an important reagent in ligation reactions, find out why.
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What are the best conditions for DNA ligation?
Find out how the downstream application dictates the best reaction conditions for ligation.
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Are some ligations more difficult than others?
Ligation of blunt ends and single-base overhangs require optimized reaction conditions.
