Gel Electrophoresis Flashcards
What is gel electrophoresis?
A procedure for separating cut pieces of DNA
What is the point of gel electrophoresis?
To allow researchers to select the piece of DNA they want
What is the gel like?
Jello; it is made of starch, agarose, or polyarylamide
What does electrophoresis involve?
Separation based on electric charge
Which will move farther: larger or smaller pieces of DNA?
Smaller
What is added to the gel?
Ethidium bromide
Why is ethidium bromide added?
It fits into the twists of DNA without altering it and fluoresce under UV light.
What does the distance between the DNA pieces indicate?
Size difference. (Larger space means larger size difference)
Why are many copies of DNA used in gel electrophoresis?
To get enough of a sample to be visible
What charge does DNA have?
Negative (because of the phosphates)
What do the researchers then do to the pieces of DNA?
They are cut, separated, and isolated from the gel. Then, they are checked for the target gene.
What is DNA fingerprinting used for?
Paternity tests and criminal investigations
