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How can one explain the difference between electrophoresis and Electro-Osmotic Flow (EOF)? Is there also a difference in the way the electric potential is used?

User Lostpacket
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Final answer:

Electrophoresis and Electro-Osmotic Flow are both techniques used in molecular biology to separate molecules based on their charge and size. Electrophoresis relies on an electric field to move charged molecules, while Electro-Osmotic Flow involves the movement of liquid solvent through a gel under the influence of an electric field.

Step-by-step explanation:

Electrophoresis and Electro-Osmotic Flow (EOF) are both techniques used in molecular biology to separate molecules based on their charge and size. Electrophoresis is a technique where an electric field is applied to a gel or solution, causing charged molecules to move towards the opposite charge, separating them based on their size and charge.

On the other hand, Electro-Osmotic Flow is the movement of a liquid solvent through a porous medium, such as a gel, due to the application of an electric field. In electrophoresis, the electric potential is used to create an electric field that drives the movement of charged molecules, while in Electro-Osmotic Flow, the electric potential is used to induce the movement of liquid solvent through the gel.

User Zbigniew Mazur
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