8.1 Gel Electrophoresis

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What is gel electrophoresis?

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

Front

What is the primary purpose of gel electrophoresis?

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To separate DNA based on size.

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Why do DNA fragments move towards the positive electrode in gel electrophoresis?

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Because DNA is negatively charged and is attracted to the positive end of the unit.

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What is the role of agarose gel in gel electrophoresis?

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Agarose gel acts as a medium that allows the separation of DNA fragments based on size.

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What can gel electrophoresis be used for?

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Applications include parental testing, criminal investigations, and sequencing endangered species DNA.

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What are DNA fingerprints?

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Unique patterns of DNA that can be used for identification purposes.

Front

What is the significance of the size of DNA fragments in gel electrophoresis?

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Smaller fragments move faster and travel further through the gel than larger fragments.

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What is the charge of DNA?

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DNA has a negative charge due to its phosphate backbone.

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What is a common application of gel electrophoresis in forensics?

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To analyze blood or tissue samples to identify individuals.

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What is the difference between DNA and RNA in the context of gel electrophoresis?

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Both can be separated using gel electrophoresis, but they differ in structure and function.