Final answer:
DNA electrophoresis involves the use of restriction enzymes, agarose gel, and detection methods to analyze DNA fragments. DNA sequencing, like the Sanger method, utilizes fluorescently labeled ddNTPs for fragmentation and gel electrophoresis for sequence determination. PCR amplifies DNA sequences, and recombinant DNA techniques are used for environmental sampling.
Step-by-step explanation:
In DNA electrophoresis, restriction enzymes are used to cleave DNA before it is separated on an agarose gel based on fragment size. DNA sequencing methods, such as the Sanger method, utilize DNA polymerase, a primer, and all four nucleotides, including fluorescently labeled dideoxynucleotides (ddNTPs), for chain termination. During this process, DNA is denatured and replicated in four separate tubes. When a fluorescent ddNTP is incorporated, it causes the strand to terminate, resulting in fragments of varying lengths. Gel electrophoresis then separates these fragments, and laser scanners detect the fluorescent markers to determine the sequence of the DNA fragments.
Another technique used to analyze DNA is the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), which amplifies specific DNA sequences for further analysis. This process is vital for obtaining sufficient quantities of DNA from small samples. In environmental sampling, recombinant DNA techniques and electrophoresis are employed to analyze prokaryotic DNA.