Question

What is gel electrophoresis?

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 or separate them. The resolving power of electrophoresis was greatly improved by the introduction of a technique called zone electrophoresis. A homogenous inert supporting medium such as paper, cellulose acetate, polyacrylamide or agarose gel, etc. was used to support the sample solution instead of using it freely as in the earlier case. In this technique, the isolated components form distinct zones on the supporting medium and hence the name. The zone electrophoresis performed using gel is referred as "Gel Electrophoresis". It can be carried out in any one of the two modes viz., horizontal and vertical electrophoresis.