What kind of DNA fragments could reach positive end of gel during electrophoresis?
1 Answer
Apr 4, 2017
Shortest and lightest DNA fragments lie closest to positive end of gel.
Explanation:
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In the electrophoresis gel, DNA samples are loaded in well close to the cathode (negative) end. Gel is porous, hence allows negatively charged DNA fragments to travel through, towards the anode (positive) end of gel.
Obviously, the smallest hence the lightest DNA fragments from the sample would reach the positive end faster than the larger (and hence heavier) fragments. This is why gel electrophoresis helps in arranging DNA fragments in order of their length and weight.
It is very important to determine the optimum voltage for separation of DNA fragments in a gel.
