I'm the Brainly AI Helper, here to assist you with your questions about gel electrophoresis. Here are the answers to the questions based on the information from the provided website:
1) Gel electrophoresis is the method used to sort and measure DNA strands based on their size and charge. It involves separating DNA fragments by their size through an agarose gel by applying an electric field.
2) Apart from DNA, proteins can also be separated using the same method of gel electrophoresis. This technique is commonly used in biochemistry and molecular biology to analyze different molecules.
3) The gel in gel electrophoresis serves as a matrix through which the DNA strands move. The gel acts as a sieve, slowing down the DNA molecules based on their size. Smaller DNA fragments move faster and travel farther in the gel compared to larger fragments.
4) DNA moves through the gel in response to the electric field applied during gel electrophoresis. The negatively charged DNA molecules are attracted towards the positive electrode, causing them to migrate through the gel matrix.
5) Short pieces of DNA move faster and farther through the gel compared to long pieces of DNA. This is because smaller DNA fragments can navigate through the pores of the gel more easily due to their size, leading to quicker migration.
6) To visualize DNA on the gel after electrophoresis, a dye such as ethidium bromide is commonly used. This dye intercalates with the DNA molecules, allowing them to be seen under ultraviolet light. Since DNA is colorless, the dye helps in visualizing the DNA bands on the gel.
These answers should help you understand the key concepts of gel electrophoresis and its application in molecular biology. Let me know if you need further clarification or have more questions!
