Gel electrophoresis

From Biohack

Contents 1 Introduction 2 Notes taken from the Wikipedia article 3 Videos 3.1 Gel electrophoresis and blotting #1 3.2 Gel electrophoresis and blotting #2 3.3 Gel electrophoresis: First Person 3.4 Side view 3.5 Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis 4 External links

Introduction

Gel electrophoresis is a technique for the (further) separation of DNA, RNA and some proteins. After using enduonucleases for restriction cuts, DNA fragments are still floating around together (and perhaps a method involving a centrifuge can be designed to separate heavy from lighter segments). Gel electrophoresis involves the application of an anode and a cathode such that the cathode provides an electrical potential that runs through the gel, causing an electromotive potential to move the DNA fragments towards the anode. The fragments with less mass will be propelled a greater distance in the same amount of time. This is typically used to measure the relative weights of fragments of DNA. You can make marks in the gel very carefully as you begin to insert the DNA mashup, and record what cuts are in which artificial well.

Notes taken from the Wikipedia article

See the Wikipedia article on gel electrophoresis. See also molecular weight size marker and remember that the "distance a band travels is approximately inversely proportional to the logarithm of the size of the molecule."

Videos

Gel electrophoresis and blotting #1

Gel electrophoresis and blotting #2

Gel electrophoresis: First Person

Side view

Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis

External links

• Gel electrophoresis visual lab (annoying, but perhaps useful)
• SeparationsNOW directory
• Electrophoretic mobility
• PCR from the perspective of marine biotech