answersLogoWhite

0

A molecular weight ruler uses a sample of fragments of a known size (known as a molecular weight marker) to be placed alongside the experimental and control samples. It helps compare the migration distance of the experimental fragments to the migrating distance of the fragments of a known size that make up the molecular weight marker.

Then the scientist can calculate an approx. size of their experimental samples.

User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago

What else can I help you with?

Continue Learning about Chemistry

Why do you use electrophoresis?

Estimation of the size of DNA molecules following restriction enzyme digestion, e.g. in restriction mapping of cloned DNA.Analysis of PCR products, e.g. in molecular genetic diagnosis or genetic fingerprintingSeparation of restricted genomic DNA prior to Southern transfer, or of RNA prior to Northern transfer.Gel electrophoresis is used in forensics, molecular biology, genetics, microbiology and biochemistry. The results can be analyzed quantitatively by visualizing the gel with UV light and a gel imaging device. The image is recorded with a computer operated camera, and the intensity of the band or spot of interest is measured and compared against standard or markers loaded on the same gel. The measurement and analysis are mostly done with specialized software.Depending on the type of analysis being performed, other techniques are often implemented in conjunction with the results of gel electrophoresis, providing a wide range of field-specific applications.


What substance was used to treat the DNA before placing the samples into the wells?

To treat the DNA before placing the samples into the wells, a loading dye containing substances like glycerol and bromophenol blue is commonly used. The loading dye helps to visualize and track the DNA samples as they move through the gel during electrophoresis.


Which pieces of DNA will migrate to the bottom of the DNA gel first during electrophoresis?

During electrophoresis, smaller pieces of DNA will migrate to the bottom of the gel first.


Definition of DNA loading dye?

DNA loading dye is a solution used in gel electrophoresis to aid in loading DNA samples onto the gel. It typically contains tracking dyes that allow visualization of the DNA migration during electrophoresis and a density reagent that helps sink the sample into the well. DNA loading dye also often contains glycerol to make it easier to load the samples into the gel wells.


Is loading dye same with binding dye in electrophoresis?

Yes, loading dye contains a tracking dye (usually bromophenol blue or xylene cyanol FF) that helps to visually track the progress of the DNA/RNA samples as they migrate through the gel during electrophoresis. Binding dye, on the other hand, is used to stabilize and stain nucleic acids in preparation for visualization and is often included in products like loading buffers or staining solutions.

Related Questions

What is the function of comb in electrophoresis?

The comb is used to create wells in the gel where samples can be loaded for electrophoresis. It helps to organize the samples and ensure that they are separated properly during the process.


Where do you place the DNA samples on the gel during electrophoresis?

During electrophoresis, DNA samples are placed at the wells of the gel. The gel is then subjected to an electric current, causing the DNA fragments to move through the gel based on their size.


When is DNA cut during electrophoresis?

Electrophoresis technique is not designed to cut DNA molecule. When DNA is analyzed by electrophoresis to determine its molecular mass, the molecular biology engineer usualy digests the DNA molecule, before the electrophoresis, with specific enzymes called "restriction enzymes" in order to obtain fragments of diverse molecular weights that can be seen as bands in electrophoresis gels.


If you were called away during the electrophoresis procedure and were not able to monitor your sample run what would happen if the electricity were to remain running in your absence?

If the electrophoresis procedure continues unmonitored, the samples could run for too long, potentially causing the samples to run off the gel. This can lead to inaccurate results and loss of data. It is important to periodically check the progress of the electrophoresis run to ensure that the samples are running properly and do not get overextended.


What is the charge of dye during electrophoresis?

The charge of dyes used in electrophoresis is usually negative, allowing them to move towards the positive electrode when an electric field is applied. This movement helps visualize the migration of DNA, RNA, or protein samples in the gel.


What is the recommended well gel loading volume for optimal results in gel electrophoresis?

The recommended well gel loading volume for optimal results in gel electrophoresis is typically around 10-20 microliters. This volume helps ensure that the samples are loaded evenly and do not overflow or distort the gel during the electrophoresis process.


Why do you use electrophoresis?

Estimation of the size of DNA molecules following restriction enzyme digestion, e.g. in restriction mapping of cloned DNA.Analysis of PCR products, e.g. in molecular genetic diagnosis or genetic fingerprintingSeparation of restricted genomic DNA prior to Southern transfer, or of RNA prior to Northern transfer.Gel electrophoresis is used in forensics, molecular biology, genetics, microbiology and biochemistry. The results can be analyzed quantitatively by visualizing the gel with UV light and a gel imaging device. The image is recorded with a computer operated camera, and the intensity of the band or spot of interest is measured and compared against standard or markers loaded on the same gel. The measurement and analysis are mostly done with specialized software.Depending on the type of analysis being performed, other techniques are often implemented in conjunction with the results of gel electrophoresis, providing a wide range of field-specific applications.


What is the function of Bromophenol blue and Glycerol when used in electrophoresis?

Bromophenol blue is a tracking dye used in electrophoresis to visualize the progress of sample migration through the gel; it migrates at a rate similar to small proteins, allowing researchers to gauge the separation of samples. Glycerol, on the other hand, increases the density of the sample loading solution, ensuring that the samples sink into the wells of the gel rather than diffusing into the buffer. Together, they facilitate effective sample loading and monitoring during the electrophoresis process.


What holds the DNA sample during electrophoresis?

DNA samples are within the gel matrix during electrophoresis. DNA moves at differtent rates through the pores of the gel depending on how long the fragments are. DNA is held by the gel itself.


What substance was used to treat the DNA before placing the samples into the wells?

To treat the DNA before placing the samples into the wells, a loading dye containing substances like glycerol and bromophenol blue is commonly used. The loading dye helps to visualize and track the DNA samples as they move through the gel during electrophoresis.


What is cause of faster protein migration in electrophoresis?

The main factors that can cause faster protein migration in electrophoresis are higher voltage, smaller pore size of the gel matrix, and lower molecular weight of the protein. These factors can increase the speed at which proteins move through the gel during electrophoresis.


Why the marker lanes are used during electrophoresis?

The marker lanes are important in electrophoresis because in these lanes peptides or proteins with known molecular sizes and weights (standards) run beside, on the same gel, with the sample and the Rfs (relative mobilities) of the developed bands of the unknown proteins can be compared with those of the standards.