How Does Electrophoresis Separate

Electrophoresis is a laboratory technique used to separate DNA, RNA, or protein molecules based on their size and electrical charge. An electric current is used to move molecules to be separated through a gel. Pores in the gel work like a sieve, allowing smaller molecules to move faster than larger molecules.

What causes DNA to separate during electrophoresis?

To separate DNA using agarose gel electrophoresis, the DNA is loaded into pre-cast wells in the gel and a current applied. The phosphate backbone of the DNA (and RNA) molecule is negatively charged, therefore when placed in an electric field, DNA fragments will migrate to the positively charged anode.

What are two ways particles can be separated by electrophoresis?

Isoelectric focusing (IEF) and agarose gel electrophoresis are two ways that proteins can be separated by their different electrical charges.