Gel electrophoresis

Front

What is gel electrophoresis?

Back

A laboratory technique used to separate DNA fragments based on their size by applying an electric field to a gel.

Front

What is the role of enzymes in gel electrophoresis?

Back

Enzymes are added to cut the DNA into fragments before the electrophoresis process.

Front

Why do DNA fragments move in gel electrophoresis?

Back

DNA is negatively charged, so it is attracted to the positive electrode when an electric field is applied.

Front

Where do the largest DNA fragments appear in gel electrophoresis?

Back

The largest DNA fragments appear closest to the starting wells.

Front

What is the purpose of using agarose gel in electrophoresis?

Back

Agarose gel acts as a medium through which DNA fragments can move, allowing for their separation based on size.

Front

What is the significance of the positive and negative electrodes in gel electrophoresis?

Back

The positive electrode attracts negatively charged DNA, causing it to migrate through the gel.

Front

What type of samples can be analyzed using gel electrophoresis?

Back

Gel electrophoresis can be used to analyze DNA, RNA, and proteins.

Front

What is the difference between agarose gel and polyacrylamide gel?

Back

Agarose gel is typically used for larger DNA fragments, while polyacrylamide gel is used for smaller fragments and proteins.

Front

What is a DNA ladder in gel electrophoresis?

Back

A DNA ladder is a mixture of known DNA fragments used as a size reference to determine the size of unknown DNA fragments.

Front

What happens to DNA fragments during gel electrophoresis?

Back

DNA fragments are separated based on size, with smaller fragments moving faster and farther than larger ones.