What are the uses of electrophoresis?

Answer 1

Electrophoresis is a technique used for the separation of biological molecules based on their movement due to the influence of a direct electric current. The technique was pioneered in 1937 by the Swedish chemist Arne Tiselius for the separation of proteins. It has now been extended to the separation of many other different classes of biomolecules including nucleic acids, carbohydrates and amino acids. Electrophoresis has become increasingly important in the laboratory for basic research, biomedical research and in clinical settings for the diagnosis of disease. Electrophoresis is not commonly used to purify proteins in large quantities because other methods exist which are simpler, faster, and more efficient. However, it is valuable as an analytical technique for detecting and quantifying minute traces of many biomolecules in a mixture. It is also useful for determining certain physical properties such as molecular mass, isoelectric point, and biological activity.

Answer 2

Gel electrophoresis is used extensively in forensic sciences. The most useful application is comparing two DNA samples to determine if they're matches. If two samples of DNA are the same, then when they are cut by the same restriction enzymes, the fragment bands should be in the same position/distance for both gels.

Answer 3

The motion of charged particles in a colloid under the influence of an electric field; particles with a positive charge go to the cathode

Answer 4

Electrophoresis is a motion, not a thing. These are used in DNA, affinity, capillaries, electrofocusing, and pulsed field gel settings.

Answer 5

Electrolysis of Water:

Water (H2O) --> Hydrogen (H2) + Oxygen (O)

Answer 6

It can be used to prove a suspect guilty /innocent of a crime. It can also be used to confirm the father of a baby.

Answer 7

Gel Electrophoresis is comonly used in paternity testing. It compares the father or mother's DNA to the childs DNA.

Answer 8

cut dna strands with restriction enzymes and sort them into fragments

Answer 9

Electrophoresis separates molecules on a gel medium by passing electrical current through the gel.

The common support is a polymer of agarose and acrylamide.

Answer 10

In general, electrophoresis can be used to separate DNA fragments, RNA fragments or a mixture of proteins based on molecular weight (size)