42 Questions
What is the purpose of gel electrophoresis?
To analyze the size and charge of nucleic acids and proteins
Why is agarose used as a medium in gel electrophoresis?
To form a network of bundles for molecule separation
How does the concentration of agarose affect pore size in the gel?
Higher concentration leads to smaller pores and denser matrix
What role does the running buffer play in gel electrophoresis?
Providing the electrical field for molecular movement
What determines the migration speed of molecules in an agarose gel?
Size and charge of the molecules
Why is it important to control the porosity of the gel in gel electrophoresis?
To ensure effective separation of molecules based on size
What is the purpose of adding a loading buffer to DNA samples in gel electrophoresis?
To give DNA color to monitor the progression of DNA molecules.
Why is it important to use the same batch of electrophoresis buffer in both the electrophoresis tank and the gel preparation?
To maintain a fairly constant pH and provide ions that support conductivity.
What is the function of a DNA ladder in gel electrophoresis?
To determine the size of unknown DNA molecules that were separated.
Why is it important to avoid puncturing the gel when loading DNA samples using a micropipette?
To prevent air bubbles from forming and affecting DNA movement in the gel.
What is the purpose of adding ethidium bromide to the agarose gel solution?
To visualize separated DNA fragments under UV light.
Why is it important to set the appropriate voltage in gel electrophoresis?
To control the migration rate of DNA fragments through the gel.
What does a loading buffer for DNA samples typically contain?
A colored dye to give DNA color for monitoring the progression of DNA molecules.
What happens when too much voltage is applied in gel electrophoresis?
The gel will melt due to excessive heat generated.
What is the role of Tris Borate EDTA (TBE) or Tris Acetate EDTA (TAE) buffers in DNA electrophoresis?
To maintain a fairly constant pH and provide ions that support conductivity.
Which dye is commonly used to stain DNA by intercalating its strands, giving an orange color under UV light?
Ethidium bromide
What is used as a standard to determine the size of unknown DNA molecules that were separated?
DNA ladder
What is added to agarose gel solution to ensure that no air bubbles are formed during pouring?
Glycerol
What is the purpose of agarose gel in gel electrophoresis?
To create a mesh-like structure for molecules to travel through
How does the concentration of agarose affect the size of pores in the gel?
Higher concentration of agarose results in smaller pores
What is the function of a DNA ladder in gel electrophoresis?
To help determine the size of unknown DNA molecules
How does gel electrophoresis separate molecules that differ in size, charge or conformation?
Based on their movement in an electrical field in a gel matrix
What is the role of Tris Borate EDTA (TBE) or Tris Acetate EDTA (TAE) buffers in DNA electrophoresis?
To provide ions for conducting electricity
Why do large molecules migrate slower than small ones in agarose gel electrophoresis?
Due to the sieving effect of the porous gel
What determines the migration speed of molecules in an agarose gel during electrophoresis?
Molecule size and pores of the gel matrix
What is the purpose of adding ethidium bromide to the agarose gel solution?
To stain DNA by intercalating its strands and give a color under UV light
What is added to agarose gel solution to ensure that no air bubbles are formed during pouring?
Glycerol
Why is it important to control the porosity of the gel in gel electrophoresis?
To ensure proper migration of molecules based on size
What role does the running buffer play in gel electrophoresis?
To provide ions for conducting electricity and maintain pH levels
What is used as a standard to determine the size of unknown DNA molecules that were separated?
DNA ladder
What is the purpose of adding a dye to the loading buffer in DNA electrophoresis?
To monitor the progression of DNA molecules
What is the function of the density agent added to the loading buffer in DNA electrophoresis?
To increase the density of the sample so DNA will sink in the wells
What is the purpose of the UV-Transilluminator in gel electrophoresis?
To visualize separated DNA molecules
Why is GelRed considered a safer alternative to ethidium bromide in DNA electrophoresis?
It is noncytotoxic and non-mutagenic
What is the role of a DNA ladder in gel electrophoresis?
To determine the size of unknown DNA molecules that were separated
Why is it important to use the same batch of electrophoresis buffer in both the electrophoresis tank and the gel preparation?
To ensure consistent conditions for DNA separation
What determines the migration speed of molecules in an agarose gel during electrophoresis?
The voltage applied across the gel
What does a loading buffer for DNA samples typically contain in gel electrophoresis?
DNA tracking dye and ethidium bromide
What happens when too much voltage is applied in gel electrophoresis?
The gel will melt due to excessive heat
Why is it important to avoid puncturing the gel when loading DNA samples using a micropipette?
To prevent leakage of DNA samples from the wells
How does the concentration of agarose affect pore size in the gel during electrophoresis?
Higher concentration of agarose leads to smaller pore size
Why is it important to set the appropriate voltage in gel electrophoresis?
To ensure consistent conditions for DNA separation
Test your knowledge about gel electrophoresis, a technique used to separate and analyze nucleic acids and proteins based on size, charge, or conformation in a gel matrix under an electrical field. Learn about different types of gels and their handling requirements.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
