Gel electrophoresis

Gel electrophoresis (pronunciation: /dʒɛl ɪˌlɛktrəˈfərəsɪs/) is a method used in laboratory settings to separate DNA, RNA, or protein molecules based on their size and charge. The term originates from the Greek words "elektro-", meaning amber (the source of static electricity), and "-phoresis", meaning to carry across.

Process

The process of gel electrophoresis involves the use of a gel, typically made from agarose or polyacrylamide, as a sieve to separate the molecules. An electric field is applied to the gel, causing the molecules to move through the gel matrix. Smaller molecules move faster and therefore travel further than larger ones.

Applications

Gel electrophoresis is widely used in molecular biology, biochemistry, and genetics for the separation and identification of molecules. It is an essential technique for DNA fingerprinting, gene mapping, and genetic testing.

Types

There are several types of gel electrophoresis, including:

• Agarose gel electrophoresis: Used for the separation of DNA and RNA fragments.
• Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE): Used for the separation of proteins and small DNA fragments.
• Capillary electrophoresis: A high-resolution technique used for DNA sequencing and protein analysis.

See also

• Southern blot
• Northern blot
• Western blot

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Gel electrophoresis
• Wikipedia's article - Gel electrophoresis

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