Agarose Gel Electrophoresis: Separating DNA Fragments with a Spark!

What causes DNA fragments to separate in an agarose gel?

Why do DNA fragments move when an electrical charge is applied?

Answer:

DNA fragments separate in an agarose gel due to an applied electrical charge.

Have you ever wondered how scientists are able to separate DNA fragments in a gel to analyze them? Well, the answer lies in a fascinating process called agarose gel electrophoresis!

When an electric current is applied to the gel, the DNA fragments, which have a net negative charge, begin to move. This movement is caused by the electrical charge pulling the DNA fragments towards the positive electrode. The size of each DNA fragment impacts how quickly it moves through the gel: smaller fragments move faster and travel a greater distance, while larger fragments move more slowly and remain closer to where they started.

But that's not all! Scientists can also manipulate the DNA sample before loading it onto the gel. By using restriction enzymes, they can cut the DNA into fragments of different sizes. This process helps in identifying specific DNA sequences or creating unique DNA barcodes for research purposes.

So, the next time you see those colorful bands on a gel after electrophoresis, remember that it's not magic – it's the power of electricity at work, separating DNA fragments based on their sizes and charges!