Question

Gel systems requires exposure to a BLANK source to cure

Answer 1

Gel systems require exposure to a light source, typically UV, to cure through a process called polymerization, ensuring the acrylamide forms a consistent gel matrix for electrophoresis.

Step-by-step explanation:

Gel systems, such as those used in polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) in biochemistry and molecular biology, require exposure to a light source to cure, typically ultraviolet (UV) light. The curing process is also known as polymerization, where the acrylamide monomers react to form a solid gel matrix. This matrix is responsible for the separation of molecules, such as proteins or nucleic acids, based on their size during the electrophoresis.

The reference to pre-running the gel for 30 minutes at 15 W relates to the pre-polymerization step, which is crucial to ensure that any unpolymerized acrylamide and free radicals produced during the polymerization process are removed. This step ensures the consistency and reliability of the gel before it is used for the electrophoresis process.