Electrophoresis Lab Technique

Questions and Answers

To separate molecules based on their shape and color

To separate molecules based on their molecular weight and density

To separate molecules based on their size and electrical charge (correct)

To separate molecules based on their solubility and viscosity

To increase the electric current through the gel

To trap the smaller molecules

To allow smaller molecules to move faster than larger molecules (correct)

To prevent the migration of molecules through the gel

Because it allows for the quantification of proteins

Because it allows for the synthesis of new proteins

Because it allows for the purification of proteins

Because it allows for the identification of mutated proteins or DNA (correct)

They migrate faster than the larger proteins Signup and view all the answers

Because DNA is too long for the gel Signup and view all the answers

To visualize the DNA under UV light Signup and view all the answers

To make the DNA molecule more manageable for gel electrophoresis Signup and view all the answers

To monitor the progress of electrophoresis Signup and view all the answers

From negative to positive Signup and view all the answers

5-10 volt/cm Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

A laboratory technique used to separate DNA, RNA, or proteins based on their size and electrical charge.
Agarose gel is commonly used for DNA separation, with a concentration of 0.8-2%.
An electric current is used to move molecules through the gel, which acts as a sieve, separating molecules by size.

Widely used in basic research for understanding gene and protein function.
Essential in protein research and genetic mutation research, as mutated proteins or DNA often have altered sizes.
Diagnostically important for detecting genetic mutations and forensic analysis.

Electrophoresis is typically performed in a box with a positive charge at one end and a negative charge at the other.
Charged molecules migrate towards the opposite charge, with smaller molecules moving faster than larger ones.
Proteins are usually analyzed by their entire length, with smaller proteins migrating farther into the gel and larger ones staying at the top.

DNA is typically too large to run on a gel, so it's chopped into smaller pieces using inscription enzymes.
These pieces are then separated based on their size, with smaller pieces migrating farther into the gel.

Agarose is mixed with a buffer (TBE) and heated to ensure complete dissolution.
Ethidium bromide is added to the same buffer used in the buffer tank.
The sample (DNA) is prepared, mixed with a dye (e.g., bromophenol blue), and loaded into the gel.
An electric current of 5-10 volts/cm is applied, causing DNA to migrate from negative to positive.
The gel is then visualized under UV light.