Question

What is the criterion for DNA fragments movement on agarose gel during gel electrophoresis?

• A. Negatively charged fragments do not move
• B. The larger the fragment size, the farther it moves
• C. The smaller the fragment size, the farther it moves
• D. Positively charged fragments move to farther end

Answer 1

The correct option is C The smaller the fragment size, the farther it moves

Gel electrophoresis is used to segregate DNA fragments according to the mass and size. DNA is negatively charged and it will travel towards the positive electrode. Hence separation will be on the size of the fragments. The smaller DNA molecules move faster and farthest followed by the larger ones. Thus the correct answer is option C.