The figure preparation guidelines that follow clarify PLOS ONE standards and requirements, and aim to ensure the integrity and scientific validity of blot/gel data reporting. The original images also provide additional information for readers about background within the experiment and the specificity of reagents used. The underlying data requirement is in place to ensure that the results are reported in a fully transparent manner, and that readers can verify results by reviewing the primary data in its original form. The following requirements apply to any figures and supporting Information files that report blot or gel data.
