Gel Electrophoresis gel electrophoresis – moving DNA through a gel medium using an electric current Why can we move DNA with electricity? DNA has a negative charge.
negative electrode positive electrode agarose gel
Gel Medium The gel medium can be made from: 1. agarose - seaweed extract 2. polyacrylamide - artificial polymer Liquid solutions of either medium are poured into a mould and allowed to set and solidify.
Gel Medium The semi-solid provides resistance for DNA movement. Short DNA moves through agarose easily travels further Long DNA requires more effort to move through agarose does not move as far
Principles of Gel Electrophoresis
DNA Visualization DNA cannot be observed in gel coloured dyes mixed with DNA to track distance travelled stain DNA with ethidium bromide (known mutagen) UV light box to see fluorescent DNA bands
Ethidium Bromide