Question

Which best describes why gel electrophoresis works

Answer 1

The correct answer is D. Smaller DNA segments more easily move through the gel.

Gel electrophoresis separates DNA fragments based on their size and charge. In this technique, DNA molecules are loaded into wells at one end of a gel matrix, and an electric field is applied. The negatively charged DNA molecules are attracted towards the positively charged electrode at the other end of the gel.

Smaller DNA fragments can migrate more quickly through the pores of the gel matrix, while larger fragments are hindered and move more slowly. This separation based on size allows scientists to visualize and analyze DNA fragments of different lengths, which is essential in various molecular biology and genetic applications, such as DNA fingerprinting, DNA sequencing, and analyzing PCR products.

Answer 2

Scientists can determine the size of DNA fragments through a process known as gel electrophoresis. ... Large DNA molecules move slower and can be observed at the top of the gel, whereas smaller DNA fragments move faster and are seen at the bottom of the gel.