IPTG induces the transcription of the gene coding for beta-galactosidase, a hydrolase enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of β-galactosides into monosaccharides. In cloning experiments, colonies that have been transformed with the recombinant plasmid rather than a non-recombinant need to be identified. X-gal is a substance that can be metabolised by beta-galactosidase to produce a blue product. Thus cells expressing beta-galactosidase grown in the presence of X-gal and IPTG (to induce the expression) will turn blue.
Purity: >99%. Dioxane-Free.
Water Content: <0.49%. Soluble in ethanol and water.
Store dry at 4 °C.