Gel Electrophoresis Review

Front

What is gel electrophoresis?

Back

Gel electrophoresis is a laboratory technique used to separate DNA, RNA, or proteins based on their size and charge.

Front

Why is it important to change micropipette tips when changing reagents?

Back

Changing micropipette tips prevents cross-contamination between different reagents, ensuring accurate and reliable results.

Front

What charge does DNA have, and how does it affect its movement in gel electrophoresis?

Back

DNA has a negative charge, which causes it to move towards the positive electrode during gel electrophoresis.

Front

What is the purpose of using a gel in gel electrophoresis?

Back

The gel acts as a medium that allows the separation of molecules based on size; smaller molecules move faster through the gel than larger ones.

Front

What does the term 'banding pattern' refer to in gel electrophoresis?

Back

The banding pattern refers to the distinct lines or bands that appear on the gel after electrophoresis, representing different sizes of DNA fragments.

Front

How can gel electrophoresis be used in forensic science?

Back

Gel electrophoresis can be used to analyze DNA samples from crime scenes to match them with suspects' DNA, helping to identify or exclude individuals.

Front

What is the role of the buffer solution in gel electrophoresis?

Back

The buffer solution maintains a stable pH and provides ions that facilitate the conduction of electricity through the gel.

Front

What factors can affect the separation of DNA fragments in gel electrophoresis?

Back

Factors include the concentration of the gel, the voltage applied, the size of the DNA fragments, and the composition of the buffer.

Front

What is the significance of the positive and negative electrodes in gel electrophoresis?

Back

The negative electrode attracts negatively charged DNA, causing it to migrate towards the positive electrode, facilitating separation.

Front

What is a DNA ladder, and why is it used in gel electrophoresis?

Back

A DNA ladder is a mixture of known DNA fragments used as a reference to determine the size of unknown DNA samples in gel electrophoresis.