AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Gel electrophoresis is a technique used to separate DNA fragments according to their size. DNA samples are loaded into wells (indentations) at one end of a gel, and an electric current is applied to pull them through the gel. DNA fragments are negatively charged, so they move towards the positive electrode.

Detailed explanation-2: -Gel electrophoresis is a laboratory method used to separate mixtures of DNA, RNA, or proteins according to molecular size. In gel electrophoresis, the molecules to be separated are pushed by an electrical field through a gel that contains small pores.

Detailed explanation-3: -To separate DNA using agarose gel electrophoresis, the DNA is loaded into pre-cast wells in the gel and a current applied. The phosphate backbone of the DNA (and RNA) molecule is negatively charged, therefore when placed in an electric field, DNA fragments will migrate to the positively charged anode.

Detailed explanation-4: -Agarose gel electrophoresis is commonly used to separate DNA fragments following a restriction digest or PCR amplification. Fragments are detected by staining the gel with the intercalating dye, ethidium bromide, followed by visualization/photography under UV light.

Detailed explanation-5: -Applications of gel electrophoresis In the separation of DNA fragments for DNA fingerprinting to investigate crime scenes. To analyze results of polymerase chain reaction. To analyze genes associated with a particular illness. In DNA profiling for taxonomy studies to distinguish different species.