Why does the gel need to be attached to a power supply? How does this make the DNA fragments move?
Agarose gel electrophoresis is used to separate DNA fragments based on their size. DNA molecules are inherently negetively charged due to the presence of phosphate groups in its backbone. As a result, it migrates towards the positive electrode (Anode) under the influence of electricity. The voltage difference between two electrodes allows charged particles to move towards oppositely charged poles. The migration of different DNA molecules under the influence of electricity depends upon their size.
The migration distance of a DNA molecule in a gel is inversely
proportional to its size. i.e. larger DNA molecules move slowly as
compared to smaller molecules.
= Under the influence of electricity, smaller DNA fragments will be
closer to the anode as compared to larger molecules.
Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis is used to separate DNA fragments based on their charge or size.
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