Question

DNA is negatively charged. To which location in the electrophoresis gel does it migrate?

1) Anode
2) Cathode
3) Middle of the gel
4) Cannot be determined

Answer 1

DNA, which carries a negative charge, moves towards the positive electrode (the anode) during gel electrophoresis.

Step-by-step explanation:

Since DNA has a negative charge, during gel electrophoresis, it will migrate towards the positive electrode, which is known as the anode. The process of gel electrophoresis separates DNA fragments based on size, with smaller DNA molecules traveling faster through the gel. The migration occurs because the phosphate groups in the DNA backbone confer this negative charge, and in an electric field, DNA will be attracted to the positive end of the gel.