Understanding Gel Electrophoresis

Why is it challenging to measure DNA fragment lengths directly?

• DNA fragments are too large to handle.

• DNA fragments are too small and fragile.

• DNA fragments are too heavy to lift.

• DNA fragments are too sticky to separate.

What is the primary purpose of gel electrophoresis?

• To dissolve DNA in a solution.

• To change the charge of DNA molecules.

• To measure the length of DNA, RNA, and protein fragments.

• To synthesize new DNA strands.

What is the role of agarose gel in gel electrophoresis?

• It increases the speed of DNA migration.

• It changes the color of DNA fragments.

• It provides a medium for DNA fragments to migrate through.

• It acts as a catalyst for DNA reactions.

Why is a buffer solution used in gel electrophoresis?

• To maintain a stable pH during the process.

• To increase the temperature of the gel.

• To add color to the DNA fragments.

• To dissolve the gel.

How does the size of DNA fragments affect their migration through the gel?

• Larger fragments migrate faster than smaller ones.

• All fragments migrate at the same speed.

• Smaller fragments migrate faster than larger ones.

• Size does not affect migration speed.

What charge does DNA have that allows it to migrate in gel electrophoresis?

• Positive

• Neutral

• Negative

• Variable

What happens if the gel electrophoresis process is left running for too long?

• DNA fragments will become invisible.

• DNA fragments will fall off the edge of the gel.

• DNA fragments will merge together.

• DNA fragments will change color.

What is a DNA ladder used for in gel electrophoresis?

• To separate DNA from RNA.

• To change the charge of DNA fragments.

• To measure the length of DNA fragments.

• To climb out of the gel tank.

What is the function of ethidium bromide in gel electrophoresis?

• It speeds up the migration of DNA.

• It changes the pH of the solution.

• It makes DNA fragments visible under UV light.

• It acts as a buffer solution.

How can you tell the relative length of DNA strands after gel electrophoresis?

• By the time taken to migrate.

• By the thickness of the bands.

• By the distance they have migrated.

• By the color of the bands.