Molecules are loaded into a porous gel, typically made of agarose (for large DNA fragments) or polyacrylamide (for smaller DNA or proteins). This gel acts as a molecular sieve.
It is used to detect abnormal proteins in blood or urine, which can indicate conditions like multiple myeloma or hemoglobin disorders (e.g., sickle cell anemia). Electrophoresis
is a fundamental laboratory technique used to separate macromolecules—specifically DNA, RNA, and proteins—based on their size and electrical charge . By applying an electric field to a buffered medium, scientists can "sort" complex biological mixtures into distinct bands, making it an indispensable tool in genetics, forensics, and clinical diagnostics. How It Works Molecules are loaded into a porous gel, typically
An electrical current is applied. Since DNA and RNA are negatively charged due to their phosphate backbone, they migrate toward the positive electrode (anode). is a fundamental laboratory technique used to separate
The process relies on the principle that many biological molecules possess an electrical charge. When placed in an electric field, these molecules migrate toward the electrode with the opposite charge.
Electrophoresis is the backbone of several critical scientific fields:
DNA profiling (DNA fingerprinting) uses electrophoresis to compare crime scene samples with suspect DNA.