What is gel electrophoresis?

Gel electrophoresis is a technique that is used to separate molecules such as DNA, RNA, or proteins based on size by using an electric current applied to a gel matrix.

Answer in your head, out loud, or on paper, then tap the card to flip.

Is DNA positively charged or negatively charged, and what gives it this charge?

DNA is negatively charged.


This negative charge is due to the phosphate groups in its sugar-phosphate backbone.

Answer in your head, out loud, or on paper, then tap the card to flip.

Why does DNA move during electrophoresis?

DNA moves through the gel towards the positively charged anode because DNA is negatively charged.

Answer in your head, out loud, or on paper, then tap the card to flip.

How does electrophoresis separate DNA fragments of different sizes?

The gel's mesh inhibits larger DNA fragments more than smaller ones, causing these larger fragments to move more slowly.


The pore size of the gel mesh influences the speed of DNA movement.

Answer in your head, out loud, or on paper, then tap the card to flip.

What is the purpose of the buffer solution used in electrophoresis?

The buffer maintains a constant, suitable pH.

Answer in your head, out loud, or on paper, then tap the card to flip.

Other than DNA, what other molecules can be used in electrophoresis?

RNA and proteins can also be separated using electrophoresis.

Answer in your head, out loud, or on paper, then tap the card to flip.

What is the main difference in electrophoresis when it is carried out with proteins?

As proteins may be positively or negatively charged, they are first treated with a denaturing chemical agent to standardise their charge for electrophoresis before separation.


This makes sure they all have the same charge.

Answer in your head, out loud, or on paper, then tap the card to flip.

What are the uses of electrophoresis of proteins?

Electrophoresis of proteins is used to identify proteins in samples like urine or blood, aiding in disease diagnosis.

Answer in your head, out loud, or on paper, then tap the card to flip.

What technique is used after gel electrophoresis to better visualise the separated DNA strands?

Southern blotting transfers single-stranded DNA to a membrane for analysis.

Answer in your head, out loud, or on paper, then tap the card to flip.