Gel Electrophoresis and Crime

Front

What is gel electrophoresis?

Back

A laboratory technique used to separate DNA, RNA, or proteins based on their size and charge.

Front

What is the purpose of gel electrophoresis?

Back

To separate DNA based on size.

Front

Why do DNA fragments move in gel electrophoresis?

Back

DNA is negatively charged, so it is attracted to the positive end of the gel.

Front

What determines the distance DNA fragments travel in gel electrophoresis?

Back

The size of the DNA fragments; smaller fragments travel farther than larger ones.

Front

What is the role of agarose gel in gel electrophoresis?

Back

Agarose gel acts as a medium through which DNA fragments can move, allowing for separation based on size.

Front

What happens to the largest DNA fragments during gel electrophoresis?

Back

They remain closest to the starting wells because they move slower through the gel.

Front

How can gel electrophoresis be used in crime scene investigations?

Back

It can compare DNA samples from a crime scene to potential suspects to identify matches.

Front

What is a DNA fingerprint?

Back

A unique pattern of DNA fragments that can be used to identify individuals.

Front

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

Back

The negative electrode attracts DNA (which is negatively charged), causing it to move towards the positive electrode.

Front

What is the first step in preparing for gel electrophoresis?

Back

Extracting DNA from the sample.