What is gel electrophoresis ? Explain how DNA fragments are separated and detected using this.
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Solution
Gel
electrophoresis is a technique used to separate components of a mixture on the
basis of their size. The mixture could be a DNA, an RNA or even a mixture of
proteins. A gel matrix of suitable material (e.g., agarose gel) is spread upon
the electrophoresis plate. The mixture is loaded on to a grove in the gel and an
electrical field is applied to it. The particles of the mixture move away from
the start towards the oppositely charged end based on their molecule size and charge.
The particles with a smaller size have been reported to move faster and farther
away from the start.