A+)
Define Gel Electrophoresis Right Ans - laboratory method used to separate
mixtures of DNA according to molecular size. Molecules are separated by
being pushed through an electrical field through a gel that contains small
pores.
What are other techniques used to separate and identify molecules? Right
Ans - distillation, crystallization, liquid chromatography, gas chromatography,
atomic absorption
Who invented gel electrophoresis? Right Ans - Oliver Smithies
Define the process of gel electrophoresis Right Ans - applying an electrical
current to a gelatin-like substance containing biological samples. When
mixtures are placed within the wells of the gel and an electrical current is
applied , the molecules travel through the gel and separate from one another
according to each molecule's charge, size and shape.
What is the agarose made from? Right Ans - an extract of red algae
What is agarose? Right Ans - it acts as a type of molecular strainer and
prevents all the molecules from moving too quickly. The electric current
moves DNA molecules across the agarose. The agarose gel is used to visualize
the fragments. It can be used to separate DNA molecules ranging from several
hundred nucleotides in length to ober 10,000 nucleotides.
What is the function of electrophoresis buffer? Right Ans - the buffer keeps
the pH within a narrow range. The charge is also transmitted via ions
provided by the buffer.
What is the function of the wells in the gel? Right Ans - the sample being
ran in gel electrophoresis is loaded into the wells of the gel.
What is the function of the electric current? Right Ans - shocks it so that it
will move towards the positive and negative sides.