Gel electrophoresis
Gel electrophoresis is a widely used laboratory technique for separating and analyzing biomolecules such as DNA, RNA, and proteins. It involves the movement of charged molecules through a gel matrix under the influence of an electric field.
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It involves the movement of charged molecules through a gel matrix under the influence of an electric field. The gel acts as a molecular sieve, with smaller molecules migrating faster and further than larger ones. This technique is essential in many fields of biology and has applications in genetic research, forensic science, and medical diagnostics. Gel electrophoresis can be performed using different types of gels, such as agarose and polyacrylamide, depending on the size and nature of the molecules being analyzed. The separated biomolecules can be visualized by staining or labeling techniques, allowing researchers to study their size, quantity, and other characteristics. Gel electrophoresis has revolutionized our understanding of genetics and has become an indispensable tool in modern molecular biology.