Question

If all the following DNA fragments were analyzed on an electrophoresis gel, which one would migrate farthest from the negative electrode? ) _______

A) 2500 base pairs
B) 250 base pairs
C) 1000 base pairs
D) 5000 base pairs
E) 750 base pairs

Answer 1

The DNA fragment consisting of 250 base pairs would migrate the farthest on an electrophoresis gel, as smaller fragments move faster through the gel matrix.

Step-by-step explanation:

When analyzing DNA fragments on an electrophoresis gel, the fragment that would migrate farthest from the negative electrode is the one with the smallest number of base pairs. This is because in gel electrophoresis, DNA fragments are separated based on size, with smaller fragments moving through the gel matrix faster than the larger ones. Fragment B) 250 base pairs would therefore migrate the farthest on the gel.

In gel electrophoresis, DNA fragments migrate according to their size. Smaller fragments move faster while larger fragments move slower. Based on this principle, the DNA fragment that would migrate farthest from the negative electrode would be the 250 base pairs fragment. This is because it is smaller in size compared to the other fragments.