Read the following statements regarding agarose gel electrophoresis and select the CORRECT ones. I. The longest DNA fragment is nearest to the anode. II. The matrix of the gel is a natural polymer obtained from sea-weeds. III. The process is used to check the progression of restriction enzyme digestion. IV. The fragments of DNA separate due to the sieving effect provided by agarose gel.

Question

Read the following statements regarding agarose gel electrophoresis and select the CORRECT ones. I. The longest DNA fragment is nearest to the anode. II. The matrix of the gel is a natural polymer obtained from sea-weeds. III. The process is used to check the progression of restriction enzyme digestion. IV. The fragments of DNA separate due to the sieving effect provided by agarose gel. (A) I, II, III and IV (B) III and IV only (C) II, III and IV only (D) I, II and III only

Tardigrade Admin · Accepted Answer

DNA fragments can be separated by a technique known as gel electrophoresis where molecules having a net negative charge migrate towards the positive electrode (anode), whereas net positively charged molecules migrate towards the negative electrode (cathode). The negatively charged DNA fragments are can be separated by forcing them to move towards the anode under an electric field through a medium/matrix (agarose, a natural polymer extracted from seaweeds). The larger fragments move slowly when compared to smaller ones and they tend to remain nearer to the cathode. The DNA fragments separate according to their size through the sieving effect provided by the agarose gel. The smaller fragment in size moves the farthest. The process is used to check the progression of restriction enzyme digestion.