Question

a) How do DNA fragments migrate and resolve in a Gel electrophoresis?
b) How lane one is different from lane 2,3 and 4 in the Gel electrophoresis set up?
c) How pure DNA fragments are made observable in the visible light?

Answer 1

Electrophoresis is defined as a technique of separation of the charged molecules of the substance in a solution, by subjecting them to an electric field. The technique helps to determine the number, amount and the mobility of the components in a given sample and separate them. It is also used to obtain the information about electric double layer, surrounding the particles. The resolving power of a electrophoresis was greatly improved by introduction of a technique called zone electrophoresis. The zone electrophoresis performed using gel is referred to as 'gel electrophoresis'.

1. The DNA fragments in the wells of gel electrophoresis migrate under the influence of current.
2. Lane 1 is different than 2, 3 and 4 as there is no migration of DNA fragments.
3. Physical properties like staining, fluorescence, UV absorption, radioactivity etc are used to observe DNA fragments in visible light.