Gel Electrophoresis

What is the purpose of gel electrophoresis?

• helps cut DNA
• count the genes in DNA
• separates DNA based on size
• allows for an exact replicated organism

Why do the fragments of DNA in gel electrophoresis travel away from the negative electrode?

• DNA is negatively charged so attracted to the positive end of the unit
• DNA is positively charged to attracted to the negative end of the unit
• the agarose gel in negatively charged
• the agarose gel is positively charged

Which is the primary purpose of using restriction enzymes in gel electrophoresis?

• It allows the strands of DNA to be cut into various lengths for testing
• It restricts the number of base pairs that can be tested in a sample
• It makes the testing simpler by moving the strands into the gel faster
• It charges the DNA strands

A student performed a gel electrophoresis experiment. The results are represented in the diagram

below. Compared to the fragments at the top of the gel, the fragments at the lower end are

• larger, and move slower

• larger, and move faster

• smaller, and move faster

• smaller, and move slower

During gel electrophoresis, DNA moves from the ___ end to the ___ end.

• positive, negative
• negative, positive

How are buffers used in Electrophoresis?

• Conduct electricity

• Remove salts

• Add extension energy

• Dissolve excess DNA

In gel electrophoresis, the largest DNA fragment will appear

• closest to the starting wells
• farthest from the starting wells
• three quarters away from the starting wells
• it depends on how many fragments there are