Electrophoresis Technique

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is used to separate DNA molecules.

Electrophoresis is a laboratory technique used to separate molecules based on their shape and color.

Electrophoresis involves running a current through a fluid containing the molecules of interest.

In electrophoresis, the molecules will travel through the gel in the same direction and at the same speed.

Electrophoresis is a technique used to separate molecules in a fluid using a magnetic field.

The wells in the gel are where the electric current is applied.

There are four basic steps to performing gel electrophoresis.

Electrophoresis

Electrophoresis is a laboratory technique used to separate DNA, RNA, or protein molecules based on their size and electrical charge.
It involves running an electric current through a gel or matrix containing the molecules of interest.
The molecules will travel through the gel at different speeds or directions, allowing them to be separated from one another based on their size and charge.

Steps in Gel Electrophoresis

Pouring the gel
Preparing the samples
Loading the gel
Running the gel (exposing it to an electric field)
Staining the gel

Gel Structure

The gel has pocket-like indentations called wells, where the DNA samples are loaded.

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

PCR is a technique used to make many copies of a specific DNA region in vitro.
It relies on a thermostable DNA polymerase, Taq polymerase.
It requires DNA primers designed specifically for the DNA region of interest.

Serum Proteins Electrophoresis

The different fractions of serum proteins separate into 5 bands: albumin, α1, α2, β, and γ globulin fractions.
The gamma region is mainly composed of Immunoglobulin and is given more attention in the interpretation of SPEP.

This quiz covers the laboratory technique of electrophoresis, used to separate DNA, RNA or protein molecules based on their size and electrical charge.