Question

Gel electrophoresis is used to separate biological molecules based on size, charge, and shape. Which of the following statements about electrophoretic mobility is true?

1) Electrophoretic mobility is the rate at which a molecule moves through a gel during electrophoresis.
2) Electrophoretic mobility is determined by the size of the molecule.
3) Electrophoretic mobility is not affected by the charge of the molecule.
4) Electrophoretic mobility is only dependent on the shape of the molecule.

Answer 1

Electrophoretic mobility is the rate at which a molecule moves through a gel during electrophoresis. It is determined by both the size and charge of the molecule.

Step-by-step explanation:

Electrophoretic mobility is the rate at which a molecule moves through a gel during electrophoresis. It is determined by both the size and charge of the molecule. Smaller molecules move through the gel faster than larger ones, and molecules with a higher charge move faster than those with a lower charge. Additionally, the shape of the molecule can also affect its electrophoretic mobility, although it is not the sole factor determining it.