Team:Cambridge/Protocols/Gel Electrophoresis

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OVERVIEW
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Gel Electrophoresis

A method to separate DNA strands of different lengths.

Theory

DNA is negatively charged due to the phosphate ions in its backbone. Hence, when an electric field is applied across an electrolyte such as agarose gel the DNA fragments tend to move towards the cathode. The smaller the fragment, the less resistance it experiences from the surrounding gel, and hence the further it moves in a given time.

Practice

How to do it in the lab

Safety

The safety implication of the procedure.