Electrophoresis May 2026

An electrical current is applied. Since DNA and RNA are negatively charged due to their phosphate backbone, they migrate toward the positive electrode (anode).

The standard method for separating DNA fragments, often used after a PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) to verify results. Electrophoresis

Electrophoresis is the backbone of several critical scientific fields: An electrical current is applied

Used for proteins. The detergent SDS unfolds the proteins and gives them a uniform negative charge, ensuring they are separated strictly by length rather than shape. Real-World Applications Molecules are loaded into a porous

Uses narrow tubes instead of gels, allowing for high-speed separation and automation, commonly used in modern DNA sequencing. Real-World Applications

Molecules are loaded into a porous gel, typically made of agarose (for large DNA fragments) or polyacrylamide (for smaller DNA or proteins). This gel acts as a molecular sieve.