- A micropipette is used to transfer small liquid solutions of DNA from tubes into the gel.
- An electric current applied across the gel causes the negatively charged DNA fragments to move towards the positive electrode.
- Smaller DNA fragments move faster through the gel matrix, while larger DNA fragments move slower.
- A fluorescent dye, such as ethidium bromide or SYBR Safe, binds to the DNA and fluoresces under UV light, making the normally colorless DNA visible.
- The purpose of using a marker or ladder is to provide known fragment sizes for comparison, allowing researchers to estimate the size of unknown DNA fragments in other lanes.
- Sample 1: ~300 bp
- Sample 2: ~800 bp, ~500 bp, ~100 bp
- Sample 3: ~500 bp
- Sample 4: ~300 bp, ~100 bp
- Sample 5: ~500 bp
- Sample 6: ~1000 bp
- Sample 7: ~500 bp
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of gel electrophoresis worksheets.
