Question

Gel electrophoresis is a
(A) Technique of separation of charged molecules under the influence of magnetic field
(B) Technique of incorporation of DNA molecules into the cell through transient pore made due to electrical impulses.
(C) Technique of separation and isolation of DNA fragments through the pores of agarose
(D) Technique of separation and purification of gene products

Answer 1

Hint: This technique of Gel electrophoresis is the method used in the molecular biology and biochemistry to separate and purify the nucleic acid or the protein using the pores in the gel used. It uses the electric field to drive the molecules through the gel.

Complete Answer:
Method of gel electrophoresis is used to separate and isolate the gene products like DNA, proteins, RNA, etc. on the basis of the size of the molecules and its charge by using the gel. Here agarose gel is used as the sieving medium or the anticonvective medium that retards the flow of molecules due to the application of the electric field. Mainly DNA or RNA are separated by their size and proteins are separated based on its charge.

This method is also used for the separation of the nanoparticles. The gel electrophoresis apparatus consists of the buffered box in which the agarose gel along with the DNA is placed. The power supply is applied through it, where the target samples are separated based on its size, length, charge etc.

Thus, the option (C) is correct.

Note: The agarose and the polyacrylamide are the commonly used gel. Agarose has the low resolving power for the DNA but has the greater ability for the separation. It is mainly made from the sea weed. After usage gels are stored in the plastic container in the refrigerator.