2.8 Gel Electrophoresis
Gel Electrophoresis is a method used in the laboratory to separate compounds of DNA or RNA based on molecular size. The nucleic acid molecules are placed in a gel that contains small pores. With the negative charged nucleic acid, it travels towards the positive electrode. During the travel the molecules are separated whilst travelling through the small gel pores. The nucleic acid travels in the gel at the speed that is inversely related with its size. The smaller the DNA the greater the distance it will travel through the gel as compared to a larger DNA molecule.
Gel Electrophoresis is a method used in the laboratory to separate compounds of DNA or RNA based on molecular size. The nucleic acid molecules are placed in a gel that contains small pores. With the negative charged nucleic acid, it travels towards the positive electrode. During the travel the molecules are separated whilst travelling through the small gel pores. The nucleic acid travels in the gel at the speed that is inversely related with its size. The smaller the DNA the greater the distance it will travel through the gel as compared to a larger DNA molecule.