Question

How is gel electrophoresis used in DNA fingerprinting?

Answer 1

Gel electrophoresis in DNA fingerprinting:

1. DNA fingerprinting is a technique used to determine the different patterns in satellite regions of the DNA to form a pattern unique to each individual.
2. Satellite regions are small sequences of DNA that do not encode any proteins but appear throughout the genome many times.
3. Gel electrophoresis is a method used to separate DNA molecules according to their size.
4. The DNA strands are suspended in a gel-like material, and electric current is passed through the medium.
5. DNA being negatively charged, gets attracted to the positive electrode
6. After a while, the molecules are separated by size, as smaller molecules move faster.
7. The separation of molecules based on size, produces a pattern of DNA bands which is unique to each individual.