Question

Brief about the separation of molecules in cloning.

Answer 1

Gel electrophoresis:

1. During cloning, DNA is digested with restriction endonucleases. This results in the formation of DNA fragments of varying lengths.
2. The DNA fragments can be separated according to their size by a technique called gel electrophoresis.
3. During gel electrophoresis, an electric field is applied across a matrix (agarose gel).
4. DNA fragments are negatively charged; hence they move towards the positively charged anode. The movement of smaller fragments is faster than the larger ones.
5. The separated DNA fragments can be visualized after staining them with ethidium bromide.
6. It is followed by exposure to UV light during which the tagged DNA produces fluorescent effect.