Questions and Answers
What does gel electrophoresis enable us to do?
Sort and measure DNA strands.
What is the filter that sorts the DNA strands?
The gel.
Where do we place DNA at one end of the gel?
In holes, or wells.
What do you add to make the DNA move?
Signup and view all the answers
What strands move quicker through the gel?
Signup and view all the answers
What process makes the sorted groups of DNA molecules visible?
Signup and view all the answers
What are the 5 steps used in gel electrophoresis?
Signup and view all the answers
What are the steps for making gel?
Signup and view all the answers
What do you need to set up the gel apparatus?
Signup and view all the answers
What do you do to set up the gel apparatus?
Signup and view all the answers
What are the steps for loading the DNA sample into the gel?
Signup and view all the answers
How do you hook up the electrical current and run the gel?
Signup and view all the answers
How can you tell if a current is running?
Signup and view all the answers
DNA moves toward what charge and why?
Signup and view all the answers
What do you do to stain the gel and analyze your results?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Gel Electrophoresis Overview
- Gel electrophoresis is a technique used to sort and measure DNA strands by size.
Gel as the Sorting Filter
- The gel serves as a filter that separates DNA strands based on their length.
Loading DNA into the Gel
- DNA is placed into specific slots called wells at one end of the gel.
Movement of DNA
- An electrical current is applied to the gel, causing the DNA to move.
- Short DNA strands migrate faster through the gel compared to longer strands.
Visualization of DNA
- Staining is the process used to make the sorted DNA molecules visible after separation.
Steps in Gel Electrophoresis
- Five main steps are involved in the gel electrophoresis procedure:
- Prepare the gel.
- Set up the gel apparatus.
- Load DNA samples into the gel.
- Connect the electrical current and run the gel.
- Stain and analyze the gel results.
Gel Preparation Process
- To prepare the gel, follow these seven steps:
- Combine agarose with a liquid buffer in a flask.
- Heat in a microwave until melted.
- Pour the melted mixture into a mold.
- Insert a comb to create wells.
- Allow the gel to cool and solidify.
- Remove the comb, leaving wells for the DNA samples.
Setting Up the Gel Apparatus
- Essential components for the gel apparatus include:
- Gel, electrophoresis box, and buffer solution.
- Setup involves pouring buffer into the box and placing the gel within it.
Loading DNA into the Gel
- Steps to load DNA samples include:
- Mixing the DNA with loading dye.
- Using a pipette to transfer DNA into the wells.
- Adding DNA standards using a clean pipette tip.
Running the Gel
- To initiate the gel run, connect the power supply:
- Black cord is connected to the side of the gel closest to the wells.
- Ensure proper connection by matching the colored cords.
- Signs of current flow include the appearance of tiny air bubbles.
Charge Movement of DNA
- DNA moves toward the positive charge because of its negative charge, being repelled by the negative pole.
Staining and Analyzing Results
- To stain the gel:
- Submerge the gel in a DNA staining solution (e.g., ethidium bromide).
- After 30 minutes, view the gel under UV light.
- Protective gloves should be worn during the UV exposure.
- Compare the stained bands with known DNA length standards for analysis.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
This quiz provides an insightful overview of the gel electrophoresis technique used for separating and measuring DNA strands by size. It covers the process of loading DNA, the physics behind DNA movement, and the visualization methods following separation. Perfect for students studying biology, genetics, or molecular biology.
