Final answer:
The statement "If you reverse the orientation of a gel so that the DNA is loaded into wells closest to the positive electrode or if you were to switch the leads from the power source so that the charges on either end of the gel box were reversed your DNA will run off the short end" is True.
The correct answer to the question is option 1). true.
Step-by-step explanation:
If you reverse the orientation of a gel so that the DNA is loaded into wells closest to the positive electrode, or if you switch the leads from the power source so that the charges on either end of the gel box are reversed, then your DNA will run off the short end. This is because DNA has a negative charge and will be drawn to the positive electrode.
During gel electrophoresis, DNA samples are loaded into wells on the side of the gel closest to the negative electrode. When an electric current is applied, the DNA fragments move through the gel matrix towards the positive electrode. The movement of DNA molecules is affected by their size, with smaller molecules traveling through the gel more quickly than larger molecules. Consequently, the DNA is separated by size over the course of the electrophoresis process.
The correct answer to the question is option 1). true.