Gel Electrophoresis Method of separating molecules within an electric field based on the size and charge of DNA fragments
Terms: Gel: matrix used to separate DNA usually agarose Buffer: salt solution that conducts electricity Well: slots in the gel where samples are loaded
Electric current passed through gel DNA (-) moves toward (+) electrode Small DNA moves faster Larger DNA moves slower Use dye to stain DNA for visibility
Carbon fiber electrodes Tools of the trade Gel Tray Micropipette (set to 15 μL) Comb Pipette Tip (disposable!) Carbon fiber electrodes Electrical leads
Casting & Loading a Gel
Using a Micropipette
Loading DNA samples into the wells
Running a Gel + _
DNA Fingerprinting Activity 3 Suspects (labeled #1, #2, #3) 1 Crime Scene Sample (labeled “CS”) #1 #2 #3 CS
Resources Animation: Virtual Labs: http://www.dnalc.org/resources/animations/gelelectrophoresis.html http://www.sumanasinc.com/webcontent/animations/content/gelelectrophoresis.html Virtual Labs: http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/labs/gel/ http://www.vivo.colostate.edu/hbooks/genetics/biotech/gels/virgel.html