Question

Restriction fragments of DNA are typically separated from one another by which process?

1) filtering
2) centrifugation
3) gel electrophoresis
4) PCR
5) electron microscopy

Answer 1

DNA restriction fragments are separated by gel electrophoresis, where fragments are isolated according to size after being treated with restriction enzymes.

Step-by-step explanation:

Restriction fragments of DNA are typically separated from one another by the process of gel electrophoresis. This method involves treating the DNA with specific restriction enzymes to create fragments, which are then separated on an agarose gel according to their size. Smaller fragments move faster through the gel matrix and therefore travel further than larger fragments, allowing them to be isolated and visualized. In applications like DNA fingerprinting, which is useful in crime investigation, the DNA is digested with restriction enzymes, and the fragments are stained to reveal unique patterns that can differentiate individual DNA samples.