Question

How does gel electrophoresis work?

Answer 1

Gel electrophoresis:

1. The process in which various macro or micro molecules such as DNA, RNA, or proteins are separated based on their size and charge is referred to as gel electrophoresis.
2. These molecules and their fragments carry electrical charges of varying degrees.
3. In this process, an electrical field is generated in that gel containing small pores, the molecules and fragments move across the pores according to their size and charge.
4. The movement of charged particles is termed migration.
5. The particles and fragments migrate in the direction opposite to the charges they are carrying, i.e., towards the opposite charges.
6. The main steps involved in the process of gel electrophoresis are-

(a) Extraction of DNA: DNA is isolated and made visible using a basic blue dye.

(b) Isolation and amplification of DNA: Using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the DNA molecules are amplified.

(c) Addition of DNA to gel wells: The gel wells are loaded with fragments of DNA.

(d) Application of electric current to gel: An electric current is applied due to which the fragments start moving towards the opposite charges based on their size.