Gel Electrophoresis

University:
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology
Course:
BIOL 370 | Molecular Biology
Academic year:

2023
Views:

417

Pages:

1
Author:

Alexander Morgan

Gel Electrophoresis 1. What do restriction enzymes do to the DNA? Restriction enzymes cut DNA at specific sequences, known as recognition sites or restriction sites, resulting in fragments of DNA 2. What is agarose gel and how does it work? Agarose gel is a gel matrix made from agarose, a polysaccharide derived from seaweed. It works by forming a porous matrix through which DNA fragments can migrate when an electric current is applied 3. Where is the DNA placed in gel electrophoesis apparatus? The DNA is placed in wells or slots at one end of the gel in gel electrophoresis apparatus 4. How does electrophoresis work? Electrophoresis works by applying an electric field to the gel, causing charged molecules such as DNA fragments to move through the gel matrix. Smaller DNA fragments move faster and migrate farther than larger ones 5. Why do you need a nylon membrane? A nylon membrane is used to transfer DNA fragments from the gel to the membrane for further analysis, such as Southern blotting 6. What are probes? How do they work? Probes are short, single-stranded DNA or RNA molecules that are complementary to a specific DNA sequence. They work by binding to the target DNA sequence through base-pairing interactions 7. What is the purpose of the X-ray film? The X-ray film is used to visualize the DNA fragments that have been transferred to the nylon membrane. It captures the radioactive or chemiluminescent signals emitted by labeled DNA probes bound to the membrane 8. The X-ray film shows what after development? After development, the X-ray film shows bands corresponding to the positions of DNA fragments on the membrane, allowing for the detection and analysis of specific DNA sequences