Final answer:
Gel electrophoresis separates substances based on size and charge. Smaller molecules move faster than larger ones through a gel matrix. It is a technique commonly used in biology.
Step-by-step explanation:
Gel electrophoresis is a technique commonly used to separate biological molecules based on size and biochemical characteristics, such as charge and polarity. It is used to separate substances by two qualities: size and charge. This technique relies on the fact that nucleic acids are negatively charged at neutral or basic pH, allowing them to be mobilized by an electric field. The molecules move through a gel matrix, with smaller molecules moving faster than larger ones.