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The gel, typically made of agarose or polyacrylamide, serves as a matrix that facilitates the separation of DNA strands based on their size during electrophoresis. When an electric current is applied, the negatively charged DNA molecules migrate through the gel toward the positive electrode. Smaller DNA fragments move more easily and travel further through the gel, while larger fragments encounter more resistance and travel shorter distances. This differential movement allows for the visualization and analysis of DNA fragment sizes.

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3d ago

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Describe the function of electricity and the agarose gel in electrophoresis?

The electricity pulls the polar DNA strands through the gel, and shorter DNA strands move farther because they are less inhibited by the gel. The gel acts as drag to separate the different length DNA strands, so different DNA creates specific dye bands.


Why do shorter strands of DNA move faster in gel electrophoresis?

Shorter strands of DNA move faster in gel electrophoresis because they can travel through the pores of the gel more easily than longer strands. This is because shorter strands experience less resistance and can navigate through the gel matrix more quickly.


In a gel electrophoresis's why are the lines closer together when the DNA strands are heavier?

Heavier DNA strands move slower through the gel due to their larger size and mass, causing them to travel shorter distances during the same amount of time compared to lighter DNA strands. This results in the heavier DNA bands being closer together on the gel, as they have not traveled as far as the lighter bands in the same time frame.


Why is gel electrophoresis able to separate strands of DNA?

Gel electrophoresis separates DNA strands based on their size and charge. When an electric current is applied, the negatively charged DNA molecules move through a gel matrix at different speeds, with smaller fragments moving faster and larger fragments moving slower. This separation allows scientists to analyze and study the DNA fragments based on their size.


One function of gel electrophoresis is to?

To separate strands of DNA based on their size. Shorter strands will migrate more slowly than larger strands. ** Also because DNA is slightly negatively charged, it will move toward the positive end of the electrodes... this is why the current is used when running a gel. Short strand move further** than large ones due to the gel resistance.


How is it possible to sort different lengths of DNA strands using gel electrophoresis?

The gel matrix is made of a type of cross-linked polymer (usually agarose or polyacrylamide). The cross-linking creates a type of sieve. Bigger pieces of DNA take longer to work their way through the "holes" than smaller ones do. Usually the DNA is treated to straighten it out and give it a uniform charge. This charge is what forces the DNA to move through the gel, because a current is applied to the gel, forcing the negatively charged DNA fragments away from the negative terminal..


The results of gel electrophoresis are shown below with four different strands of DNA labeled. Which strand of DNA is the shortest?

Answer this q The results of gel electrophoresis are shown below, with four different strands of DNA labeled.Which strand of DNA is the shortest? uestion…


Long strands of DNA that are uncoiled?

Chromatin are long, uncoiled strands of DNA. Chromatin contain the genetic information of the cell. Cytoplasm is the clear fluid or gel that surrounds the organelles outside the nucleus.


How many DNA strands do goldfish have?

10000 DNA strands.


How many strands are there in DNA?

DNA is made up of two strands.


How many strands are there at the beginning of DNA replication?

At the beginning of DNA replication there are two strands of DNA nucleotides.


The site where the old DNA strands separate and new DNA strands will be synthesized is called the?

The site where the old DNA strands separate and new DNA strands are synthesized is called the replication fork. This is where the enzyme DNA polymerase adds nucleotides to the growing DNA strand.