Question

Why is gel electrophoresis used?

Answer 1

Gel electrophoresis is used to separate molecules/fragments of polymers like DNA, RNA or Proteins, on the basis of their molecular weight.

Explanation:

Gel electrophoresis (https://socratic.org/questions/what-is-gel-electrophoresis)involves movement of charged molecule through the porous gel.

Gel electrophoresis is used regularly in biotechnology, microbiology, genetics, and diagnostic laboratories. It is used to separate DNA fragments after digestion by restriction endonucleases. It could be used to analyse an amplified DNA sample i.e. after an exposure in PCR machine is over.

Gel electrophoresis and separation of DNA fragments is an important step in Genetic Finger Printing.