Definition: Gel electrophoresis is a laboratory method used to separate mixtures of DNA, RNA, or proteins according to molecular size.
main ideas/facts:
- Gel electrophoresis uses a gel (like gelatin) and the application of an electric field through the gel.
- An electric current is applied across the gel so that one end of the gel has a positive charge and the other end has a negative charge.
- Charged molecules move through a gel when an electric current is passed across it.
- The result is a series of ‘bands’, with each band containing DNA molecules of a particular size.
Summary: Gel electrophoresis is very helpful in solving crimes, finding out parents/siblings, and medical problems. Without gel electropheresis, it would be highly difficult to find out identities and issues around DNA.
citations:
“Gel Electrophoresis.” Science Learning Hub, www.sciencelearn.org.nz/resources/2029-gel-electrophoresis.
What is the purpose of separating these things?
ReplyDeleteThey are separated due to their size and their charge.
DeleteThis sounds like it was very interesting to research and figure out how DNA and RNA tests work.
ReplyDelete