Question

Which technique is used to separate protein fragments based on size?

a) PCR
b) Western blotting
c) Gel electrophoresis
d) Southern blotting

Answer 1

Gel electrophoresis is used to separate protein fragments based on their size, with smaller fragments moving faster through the gel compared to larger ones.

Step-by-step explanation:

The technique used to separate protein fragments based on size is gel electrophoresis. This method involves applying an electric field to a gel containing the protein samples. Molecules move through the gel at rates inversely proportional to their size, allowing for their separation. After electrophoresis, the proteins can be visualized, typically by staining. This is distinct from Southern blotting, which is used to separate and identify DNA sequences, Western blotting, which detects specific proteins using antibodies, and PCR (polymerase chain reaction), which amplifies DNA fragments.