Question

Gel electrophoresis is a

• A. Technique of separation of charged molecules under the influence of magnetic field
• B. Technique of incorporation of DNA molecules into the cell through transient pores made due to electrical impulses
• C. Technique of separation of DNA fragments through the pores of agarose gel under the influence of electric field
• D. Technique of separation and purification of gene products

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

Technique of separation of DNA fragments through the pores of agarose gel under the influence of electric field

Electrophoresis is a technique of separation of molecules such as DNA, RNA or protein, under the influence of an electrical field, so that they migrate in the direction of electrode bearing the opposite charge, viz. positively charged molecules move towards cathode (-ve electrode) and negatively charged molecules travel towards anode (+ve electrode) through a medium/matrix. Since DNA fragments are negatively charged molecules, they can be separated by allowing them to move towards the anode (+ve electrode) under an electric field through a matrix of agarose gel.

So, the correct answer is 'Technique of separation of DNA fragments through the pores of agarose gel under the influence of electric field'.