1. Based on Size and Charge
Gel Electrophoresis
The Separation
of Molecular Material
Based on Size and Charge

2. I. What Is Gel Electrophoresis ?
A. G.E. is used to separate molecular material by degree of charge and by actual size
B. G.E. is the most commonly used technology in the biotechnolgy industry
C. G.E. works by inserting molecular material to be separated into a protein gel material and then sending electricity through the gel. Individual, and distinct, molecules follow the electricity through the gel based on their individual charge and size.
SOUND LIKE FUN?

3. II. How Does The Gel Work? _ +
A. The gel has microscopic holes in it, much like the holes in swiss cheese.
B. The molecular material is injected into the gel in a “well” created in the gel when the gel is poured into a mold.
C. The gel is positioned in a horizontal manner and the molecular material “migrates” through the gel away from the well.
The Well _ +
The Gel
Electrical Source

4. After Having A Molecular
A Side View Of A Gel
After Having A Molecular
Sample Injected
Notice the different sizes of the “bands”, which represent the “deposits” of molecular material after the electrical charge has been “run” through the gel. Why are the bands different sizes?
The Original Sample _ +
Electrical Source

5. Notice the pattern the “bands” make.
Negative Terminal Was Here
Looking Down on a gel that has had molecular material “run” through it.
Notice the pattern the “bands” make.
Also notice that the “bands” are just as wide as the wells they came from.
Positive Terminal Was Here

6. Gel Electrophoresis Chamber And Power Source

7. Another Look At The Equipment
Power Source
Chamber
Gel Tray

8. A Diagram Of An Actual Gel Being
“Loaded”
A Micropipet - used to inject the gel with extremely small amounts of liquid.
Can dispense as little as
2 millionths of a liter