Agarose Gel Electrophoresis Quiz

Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of agarose gel electrophoresis?

To degrade DNA for analysis

To visualize proteins directly under visible light

To separate nucleic acid fragments based on size (correct)

To amplify DNA using polymerase

What is the role of Ethidium Bromide (EtBr) in agarose gel electrophoresis?

To bind DNA and fluoresce under UV light (correct)

To provide electrical conductivity

To act as a buffer for the gel

To stabilize agarose gel consistency

Which statement accurately describes the movement of DNA in agarose gel electrophoresis?

DNA movement is not affected by size or charge

DNA is negatively charged and moves toward the positive electrode (correct)

Larger DNA fragments move faster than smaller ones

DNA migrates towards the neutral end of the gel

What is included in the composition of the DNA loading buffer for agarose gel electrophoresis?

<p>36% (v/v) Glycerol and 0.05% (w/v) Bromophenol Blue</p> Signup and view all the answers

What determines the brightness of the bands observed in agarose gel after electrophoresis?

<p>The amount of DNA present in the fragments</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Electrophoresis Overview

Electrophoresis utilizes electrical current for separating biomolecules such as DNA, RNA, or proteins.
Separation is predicated on physical properties, primarily size and charge of the molecules.

Agarose Gel Electrophoresis

A specific type of electrophoresis employed for nucleic acid separation (DNA or RNA).
Negatively charged nucleic acids move through agarose gel towards the positive electrode when an electrical current is applied.
DNA/RNA fragments migrate at different speeds; smaller fragments move faster compared to larger ones.
Visualization of separated bands is achieved using ultraviolet (UV) light.

Visualization Techniques

DNA is invisible to the naked eye; intercalating dye (Ethidium Bromide, EtBr) is incorporated into the agarose gel.
EtBr binds to DNA and fluoresces under UV light, making DNA fragments visible.
Band brightness indicates the quantity of DNA; more DNA results in a brighter band.

Equipment and Protocol

Protocol includes preparation of agarose gel and running buffer.
DNA loading buffer composition:
- 30 mM EDTA
- 36% (v/v) Glycerol
- 0.05% (w/v) Xylene Cyanol FF
- 0.05% (w/v) Bromophenol Blue
Uses of the DNA loading buffer facilitate effective visualization during agarose gel electrophoresis.

Visualization Apparatus

Gel Doc Equipment is used to visualize the gel post-electrophoresis process.

Description

Test your knowledge on agarose gel electrophoresis and its applications in separating nucleic acids and proteins. This quiz covers the fundamentals of electrophoresis techniques used in biosystems technology. Whether you are a student or a researcher in the field, challenge yourself with this quiz!