Gel Electrophoresis

What is the primary function of a micropipette in a laboratory setting?

• To heat samples

• To measure and transfer small volumes of liquid

• To separate DNA fragments

• To mix solutions

Which component of gel electrophoresis is responsible for separating DNA fragments by size?

• Buffer solution

• Agarose gel

• Power supply

• Loading dye

What unit is commonly used to measure the volume dispensed by a micropipette?

• Liters

• Milliliters

• Microliters

• Nanometers

Which of the following is a necessary step before using a micropipette?

• Heating the tip

• Attaching a disposable tip

• Shaking the micropipette

• Calibrating the gel

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

• To stain DNA fragments

• To provide ions for electrical current

• To solidify the gel

• To increase DNA size

Which part of the micropipette is used to set the desired volume?

• Plunger

• Volume adjustment dial

• Tip ejector

• Shaft

Why is it important to use a new tip for each sample when using a micropipette?

• To save time

• To prevent cross-contamination

• To increase accuracy

• To reduce evaporation

A student needs to load DNA samples into the wells of an agarose gel. Which tool should they use for precise measurement?

• Beaker

• Graduated cylinder

• Micropipette

• Bunsen burner

If a DNA sample is loaded incorrectly into a gel well, what is a likely consequence?

• The DNA will not migrate

• The gel will melt

• The buffer will evaporate

• The DNA will change color

During gel electrophoresis, why must the wells be placed near the negative electrode?

• DNA is positively charged

• DNA is negatively charged and will move toward the positive electrode

• To prevent buffer overflow

• To increase gel strength