increased band intensity
decreased width of well
poor resolution
wrong concentration; comb too narrow
fuzzy bands
diffusion of DNA through gel
band distortion
dried agarose on comb, incomplete melting of agarose
smearing
overloading, overheating, sample well torn
melted gel during run
heat, high voltage, high ionic strength
DNA did not move out of well
incorrect set up of box, no power connection
bands smiling across entire gel
uneven dissipation of heat through gel, sides cooler than center, re-circulate buffer during run
band smiling/ frowning within lane
salt impeding migration, salt/solvent issues in sample