Densitometers are used routinely in molecular biology and biochemistry to quantify nucleic acid or protein bands and spots on autoradiograms, stained gels, and transfer membranes. The performance of the densitometer can have a profound effect on the validity of such measurements.
Molecular Dynamics, headquartered in Sunnyvale, Calif., introduced the Model 300A Computer Densitometer in May 1988: The device is fundamentally different from other densitometers in that it combines several distinct technologies into a single product in order to optimize the density measurements of samples derived from electrophoresis proce- dures. Anew light-collecting device (the Integrating Cylinder) provides for more efficient collection of scattered light without loss of contrast resulting in significant increases in accuracy and point-to-point resolution. All density measurements and analysis functions are managed through a built-in data system. The Model 300A (priced at $29,500 in the U.S.) includes software and hardware for control of scanning, digitization, display, integration, and ...
