answersLogoWhite

0

The buffer is the medium through which the current flows. In the electrophoresis chamber, the anode and cathode are separated and the gel is placed between them. In order to close the circuit and generate the voltage which causes the migration, the entire chamber is filled with a conductive buffer. It is actually possible to perform electrophoresis without a buffer; however this requires a specially made electrophoresis chamber. In these chambers the electrodes actually contact the top and bottom of the gel eliminating the need for a conductive buffer to close the circuit.

SDS PAGE electrophoresis uses buffer not primarily as a conductor but for holding a desired pH, dissipating heat and providing SDS in excess in the case of denaturing gels. A gel would run without a buffer as the gel itself is a conductor but the currents involved would heat it to the point of decomposition. Also the volume of liquid in a gel does not allow for an adequate pH buffering system. Holding a pH is extremely important for reproducibility especially in native gels as the pH can change the charge on the peptide. It is true some gels do not require buffer but these are rare cases like isoelectric focusing.
the primary application of the buffer would be to conduct electricity,to form a closed circuit

User Avatar

Wiki User

11y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

What is the purpose of the marker in gel electrophoresis?

The purpose of the marker in gel electrophoresis is to help determine the size of DNA fragments by providing known reference points for comparison.


What is the purpose of the gel used in gel electrophoresis?

The purpose of the gel used in gel electrophoresis is to separate and analyze DNA fragments based on their size. The gel acts as a sieve, allowing smaller fragments to move faster through the gel than larger fragments, resulting in distinct bands that can be visualized and studied.


What is the purpose of using a buffer in agarose gel electrophoresis?

The purpose of using a buffer in agarose gel electrophoresis is to maintain a stable pH and provide ions that help conduct electricity, allowing the DNA or other molecules to move through the gel.


What is a common name for gel electrophoresis?

Agarose gel electrophoresis.


What gel is typically used in electrophoresis experiments?

The gel typically used in electrophoresis experiments is agarose gel.


What was used before gel electrophoresis?

Before gel electrophoresis, techniques like paper electrophoresis and agarose slab gel electrophoresis were used for separating and analyzing DNA or proteins. These methods were less efficient and had lower resolution compared to gel electrophoresis.


Can a gel electrophoresis be performed both horizonnally and vertically?

yes for example 2D gel electrophoresis


What is used to sort DNA into different lenghts?

Gel Electrophoresis


Where can one learn more on gel electrophoresis?

To learn more about gel electrophoresis, one can Google it. There is also a whole Wikipedia article dedicated to gel electrophoresis, and it happens to be quite informative.


What causes the absence of bands in gel electrophoresis?

The absence of bands in gel electrophoresis can be caused by factors such as improper loading of samples, insufficient DNA concentration, or issues with the gel or electrophoresis equipment.


What has the author A J Houtsmuller written?

A. J. Houtsmuller has written: 'Agarose-gel-electrophoresis of lipoproteins' -- subject(s): Blood protein electrophoresis, Electrophoresis, Gel electrophoresis, Lipoproteins


What do the bands in gel electrophoresis represent?

The bands in gel electrophoresis represent different sizes of DNA fragments.